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Pike River disaster

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  • First reports come in of an explosion at Pike River coal mine about 3:45pm.

    First reports come in of an explosion at Pike River coal mine about 3:45pm.

  • 29 miners are confirmed missing. Rescue efforts stopped due to unsafe gas levels.

    29 miners are confirmed missing. Rescue efforts stopped due to unsafe gas levels.

  • A rescue robot is sent into the mine but fails after encountering water.

    A rescue robot is sent into the mine but fails after encountering water.

  • A second explosion occurs in the mine. All 29 miners are now believed to be dead.

    A second explosion occurs in the mine. All 29 miners are now believed to be dead.

  • A third explosion rocks the mine.

    A third explosion rocks the mine.

  • Flames pour out of mine after a fourth explosion.

    Flames pour out of mine after a fourth explosion.

  • Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (GAG) machine begins pumping carbon dioxide into the mine to quell fires.

    Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (GAG) machine begins pumping carbon dioxide into the mine to quell fires.

  • National memorial service held for the victims of the disaster.

    National memorial service held for the victims of the disaster.

  • The mine's ventilation shaft is capped.

  • Pike River Coal put into receivership.

    Pike River Coal put into receivership.

  • Pike River Coal's receivers examine whether it's possible to restart mining at the mine.

  • Families of the dead miners told it could be three months before the mine is safe to enter.

    Families of the dead miners told it could be three months before the mine is safe to enter.

  • The families of the dead miners hold a memorial service at the mine.

    The families of the dead miners hold a memorial service at the mine.

  • Fluctuating gas levels delay an attempt to use expanding foam to seal cracks around a secondary shaft.

  • Families of the dead miners start their own investigation into the cause of the disaster.

    Families of the dead miners start their own investigation into the cause of the disaster.

  • Police end operation to recover the remains of the miners, saying the mine is too unsafe.

  • Prime Minister John Key says the Pike River mine will be sealed, and there is little chance the bodies will be recovered.

    Prime Minister John Key says the Pike River mine will be sealed, and there is little chance the bodies will be recovered.