NZ mining disasters By stuff Feb 21, 1879 Kaitangata - Explosion kills 34 people An explosion was caused by candles. Mar 26, 1896 Brunner - 65 killed by choking gas The largest death toll of New Zealand's minin disasters. Sep 26, 1914 Huntly - 43 miners killed when a miner's naked light ignited firedamp. Dec 3, 1926 Dobson mine - Explosion kills nine men. Sep 24, 1939 Huntly - 11 men asphyxiated by carbon monoxide. Jan 19, 1967 Strongman mine - Explosion kills 19 miners. Nov 19, 2010 Pike River - Explosion traps 29 miners