A second explosion has occurred in the Pike River coal mine where 29 miners are trapped on the West Coast.
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Distraught family members left a scheduled briefing a short time ago, only about 10 minutes after it had started and many of them in tears.
Lawrie Drew, the father of trapped miner Zen Drew, said officials had told the families that there had been a second explosion.
Investigation head Superintendent Gary Knowles said the large explosion happened about 2.37pm and they were not expecting anyone to get out alive.
They were now going into recovery mode. It was one of the most horrific things he has had to deal with as a policeman.
"We had to break the news to the family and they are extremely distraught.
"I was at the mine myself when the explosion occurred. The blast was horrific. Just as severe as the first blast - and we are now moving into a recovery mode."
Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn broke down as he left the family briefing.
