Miners Missing After Explosion at New Zealand Coal Mine

Officials of a coal mining company confirmed at least 27 miners remained missing Friday hours after an explosion at the Pike River coal mine in Atarau. Two injured miners were able to escape. They were taken to Grey Base Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

So far, no fatalities have been reported. Rescue teams were clearing vents before entering the mine to look for the missing. The vents need to be clear to prevent a dangerous gas buildup. “They're itching to get in there and start looking for other people and a bit frustrated at having to stand and wait," said police spokesperson Barbara Dunn.

"It is absolutely awful. At the moment, our real focus is on our people down there,” said Pike River CEO Peter Whittall.

The cause of the explosion is still unclear.

###

Click here for more World News