Pike River Mine tragedy

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has described the Pike River Mine incident, in which 29 men were killed, as a national tragedy.

The coal mine is located near the town of Greymouth on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Two huge explosions occured in the mine on 19 and 24 November.

Authorities in New Zealand have launched multiple investigations into the incident, whose victims ranged from a 17 year old on his first day in the mine to a 62 year old veteran of the industry. The 29 victims also included two Australians, two Britons and a South African.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and New Zealand's Head of State Queen Elizabeth II are among those that have sent their condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and to the people of New Zealand.    

A condolence book is available at the embassy for anyone to sign.

Mr Key’s full address can be viewed here.

The New Zealand ambassador's blog also discusses the tragedy, including a connection to the Philippines.

More official information on the tragedy can be found on the New Zealand Police website.