NZ mine rescue efforts stymied by unsafe gas levels (BBC) {29 miners trapped}

[eppur_se_muova]

Rescuers have no idea how long it might take to reach the 29 men trapped after an explosion at a New Zealand mine.

But Superintendent Gary Knowles, the head of the rescue effort at the Pike River mine, said he remained positive about finding them alive.

Unsafe levels of gases continue to make it too dangerous for rescue teams to enter the mine, officials have said.

There has been no contact with the miners and contractors since Friday's blast at the South Island mine.

Supt Knowles said there was no "quick fix", but that rescue workers were doing all they could to find those missing.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11805068