Phil Goff

Leader of the Labour Party

19 November 2010 Media Statement

Labour Leader expresses concern for trapped West Coast miners and their families

Labour Leader Phil Goff has expressed grave concern at news of an explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon, which has resulted in up to 30 miners being trapped underground.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the miners, their families who are waiting anxiously for news and for the West Coast community which is shocked by the incident and its potential consequences.

“We know that the Government and emergency agencies will do everything humanly possible to rescue those caught up in this disaster. We hope and pray the miners can be reached and recovered as soon as possible,” said Phil Goff.

Labour’s West Coast spokesman Damien O’Connor is at the mine site. He has also expressed his concern for those affected by the accident and sympathy for their families.

ENDS