PM John Key has offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by the Pike River tragedy and described NZ as a nation in mourning.A second explosion ripped through the mine this afternoon, ending all hope for the 29 men trapped inside."NZ has been d
PM John Key has offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by the Pike River tragedy and described NZ as a nation in mourning.
A second explosion ripped through the mine this afternoon, ending all hope for the 29 men trapped inside.
"NZ has been devastated by the news we have all been dreading", the PM said at a press conference in Parliament this evening.
"This is a national tragedy. A tragedy for the men’s families, their workmates and friends, their community and our nation."
"After days of waiting, of both preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, they have been delivered the cruellest of news."
Tomorrow, a motion will be passed in Parliament to allow political parties to express their sympathy. The House will rise as a mark of respect and flags will be flown at half mast on all government buildings.
Mr Key will travel to Greymouth tomorrow to express his condolences and thank "all those who have worked so hard on the attempted rescue of these men".
"From the moment of the first explosion, they have spent every waking hour tirelessly working, searching for a way to bring these men home alive."
A Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy will be confirmed after Cabinet meets on Monday.
The PM said he hadn’t been briefed on possible causes of the second explosion.
“In the end, all of those questions will be answered in the inquiries. It is my view that the rescue team gave every waking moment to the rescue of those men and the volatile nature of that mine didn’t allow them to enter the mine.”
