
Pike River: Grieving father's plea
He has to accept he has lost a son. But Marty Palmer won't give up until his son's body is back with the family so they can mourn properly.
He has to accept he has lost a son. But Marty Palmer won't give up until his son's body is back with the family so they can mourn properly.
The ACC will ensure money is the least of the worries for the families of the Pike River 29, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.
Check here for developments in the wake of the Pike River mine disaster today.
Rescue authorities are vowing to recover the bodies of the 29 miners - but admit they don't know when it will happen.
'People find just that extra little bit, they take a deep breath, they will raise the bar…,' Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says.
Before the service began, 29 candles flickered on a table near the altar surrounded by many unlit candles waiting to be lit by mourners.
The first four hours after Friday's Pike River mine blast was the only time rescuers could have entered the mine, a safety expert says.
It was Pike River CEO Peter Whittall who broke the news to the miners' families this afternoon, that their worst fears had been realised.
Families of the 29 Pike River mine victims who perished in today's second blast fell to the floor screaming and were in "absolute despair", when they were told the news.