Latest from West Coast

Pike mine: 'We had time to run like hell'

A Westport man has told how he and three others ran for their lives when the Pike River Coal mine exploded at 2.37pm on Wednesday.

Latest updates: Pike River tragedy

Pike River: Third blast at mine - police

There has been a third explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon. The blast occurred at 3.39pm and lasted for 23 seconds.

Pike River: Third robot reveals violent blast

A third robot that has gone 1575m into the Pike River coal mine has detected debris and destruction indicating Wednesday's blast was much more violent than the first one.

Several days before recovery operation can start - Knowles

It is likely to be several more days before operations will start to stabilise the Pike River mine so that the bodies of 29 men can recovered, police say.

Pike River: How you can help

A Pike River Relief Fund Trust has been established for the families of the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine.

Pike River: A particularly terrible grief

A small West Coast community will now face the task of recovering and rebuilding following a disaster of devastating proportions.

Pike River: World rescue experts shocked at scale of tragedy

International experts say they are shocked a mining disaster the magnitude of the Pike River tragedy occurred in a modern mine.

Focus 'solidarity' after Pike River tragedy

'People find just that extra little bit, they take a deep breath, they will raise the bar…,' Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says.

School helps pupils in 'tough time'

Fleeting period to attempt Pike mine rescue: expert

The first four hours after Friday's Pike River mine blast was the only time rescuers could have entered the mine, a safety expert says.

Public face of mine rescue bid remains a rock until end

The Pike River CEO had to give the worst news possible to families who had looked to him for hope.

Pike River mine: 'West Coast's darkest hour'

The abrupt certainty of a second blast at Pike River shattered hundreds of loving hearts.

Packed service lights candles for Pike River miners

Before the service began, 29 candles flickered on a table near the altar surrounded by many unlit candles waiting to be lit by mourners.

<i>Cartoon</i>: The price of coal

Raft of investigations into Pike River mine tragedy