ALL 29 men missing in a New Zealand coal mine died after a powerful second blast tore through the pit, plunging the country into mourning.

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.

New Zealand’s prime minister warned his nation to prepare for the worst today as 29 coal miners remained trapped and unreachable five days after a massive underground blast.

New Zealand’s prime minister said today hope was fading for 29 coal miners missing for four days underground after an explosion.