Pike River Coal Tragedy

Press Release by ACT New Zealand

Wednesday, November 24 2010

The ACT Party today offered their deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all the Pike River Coal miners whose lives are presumed lost after a second explosion in the West Coast mine this afternoon.

“This tragedy has affected us all and it was with great sadness that we learned of the second explosion, which has taken away the last sliver of hope of the miners being rescued. Our thoughts are with the families of those miners at this difficult time,” ACT Leader Rodney Hide said.

“Our hearts also go out to the wider West Coast community for whom mining has long been an integral part of life. There is no one on the West Coast who has not been affected deeply by this tragedy in some way.

“I also wish to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in the rescue effort – the company, rescue authorities, police and various other organisations and individuals who have offered their assistance. Today’s developments will no doubt have been incredibly hard for them to bear.

“The ACT Party joins with all New Zealanders in grieving for the 29 miners lost today. We cannot begin to imagine the pain that their families are going through and we offer them our deepest condolences,” Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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