NZ miners died in initial blast

ALL 29 miners in a southern New Zealand coal mine died within minutes of an initial explosion that rocked the mine in November, an inquest heard yesterday.

Chief coroner Neil MacLean said evidence showed the men died from a combination of concussion, burns or hypoxia caused by gases and a lack of oxygen.

Earlier this month, officials said they abandoned attempts to recover the bodies because the mine is considered too dangerous and unstable.

A buildup of gases prevented rescuers from entering the Pike River mine outside Greymouth after the November 19 methane-fueled blast.