Gas prevents New Zealand mine rescue
Baku, November 20 (AZERTAC). Authorities listed the nationalities Saturday of the 29 miners trapped in a New Zealand coal mine and said gas levels inside are still too high to attempt a rescue, according to CNN.
Most of the miners are New Zealanders, but there are also two Australians, two Britons, and one South African, New Zealand Police said.
Air samples taken late Saturday afternoon indicated the gas levels inside the Pike River mine were still high, making the risk for rescuers too great, said Gary Knowles, superintendent of the Tasman Police District, who is heading the rescue effort.
"Further samples will be taken in the morning, when the risks will be reassessed," he said. "It is a very complex situation and there are numerous risks we have to consider. We will continue to work through the night, and constantly reassess the situation."
An explosion rocked the mine, on New Zealand`s west coast between Greymouth and Reefton, around 4 p.m. Friday (10 p.m. ET Thursday). Two men walked out with minor injuries, but their colleagues -- ages 17 to 62 -- were trapped as far as 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) from the tunnel`s opening and have not been heard from since.
Still, like in Chile, government and rescue authorities said they`ve been getting offers of help from around the region and the world. Gas testing equipment has been flown in from Australia to help with the rescue operation, with engineering and health experts ready to assist.
A Facebook page devoted to the rescue effort had attracted more than 9,500 supporters by Saturday afternoon from people wishing the miners well, offering prayers and asking for information.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who spoke briefly at the end of Saturday`s news conference, said he has received offers of help from many groups and people, including an e-mail from Prince William saying his heart went out to the miners.
"From the government`s perspective, we`re doing everything we can to make sure these 29 brave men are taken out of the mine," said Key. "It`s a difficult time for everyone."
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