Families Mark Anniversary of Pike River Mine explosion

Monday, 19 November 2018, 4:44 pm
Article: RNZ

Emotional day for Pike River families

Conan Young , at Atarau near Blackball

The anniversary today of the Pike River Mine disaster has brought to the surface some raw emotions for families.

Sonya Rockhouse receives a hug from Bernie Monk at Atarau, a memorial site near the Pike River Mine. Both lost sons when the mine exploded eight years ago. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

Memorial services were being held on the West Coast to mark the day eight years ago that 29 men went to work and did not return.

A private service for family was due to be held at the mine's portal at 3.44pm, the exact time the explosion occurred.

A memorial for Sonya Rockhouse's son, Ben, at Atarau near Blackball. The 21-year-old was among those who died in the Pike River disaster. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

Today Sonya Rockhouse who lost her son Ben, said eight years on, she still cried for the death of her son nearly every day.

"It's really sad because I'm starting to forget what his voice sounded like and there is some footage of him talking, some audio footage, and it would have been the last thing he said before the explosion and I haven't been able to bring myself to listen to it yet."

She said the battle her and the other families had fought to re-enter the mine hadn't just been for their men but for all 29 that died that day.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ