A massive explosion deep inside a New Zealand coal mine today erased hopes of rescuing 29 miners caught underground by a similar blast five days ago.

Anguished relatives of 29 workers missing after an explosion at New Zealand coal mine grew frustrated over delays in the rescue operation today, as officials prepared to drill a small hole through hundreds of feet of rock to test for levels of deadly gases.

Anguished relatives voiced frustration as poisonous gases prevented rescuers from entering a New Zealand coal mine today, a day after a powerful blast left 29 workers missing underground.

American wonder mare Zenyatta stretched her unbeaten record to 16 with another imperious display in the Apple Blossom Invitational Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

HISTORY can be made at the 26th running of the Breeders’ Cup with the unbeaten Californian star Zenyatta taken to become the first mare to land the $5m Classic at Santa Anita tonight.

Corey Feldman's wife has filed for divorce, it has been announced.

Corey Feldman’s wife has filed for divorce.

POPE Benedict XVI named a first batch of cardinals to elect his successor yesterday, sending strong political messages with nominations in Hong Kong and Venezuela and promoting two Americans with experience in the Church sex abuse scandal.

China today rejected ties between the nation’s Catholics and the Vatican, indicating that Beijing has not budged on a key issue in their split despite expressing hope for better relations following the death of Pope John Paul.

The Vatican wants to cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognise the island’s rival China because the move would give Catholics more freedom on the mainland, Hong Kong’s bishop said in a newspaper article today.

Hollywood actor Mel Gibson has defended his father over claims he is a Holocaust denier.