Pike River re-entry: Police won't be among first inside mine after risk assessment raised safety concerns

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Police will not send staff in with the first Pike River mine re-entry team following a risk assessment.

The Government gave re-entry plans the all-clear in November. Minister Andrew Little said at the time a number of dangers still remained, but extensive advice had shown re-entry to the drift using the existing access tunnel of the mine would be 'by far the safest option'.

Police said in September they would enter the tunnel only if the mine re-entry plan was approved by both the Police Commissioner and an independent review. 

Pike River widow Anna Osborne said on Tuesday she understood police would go in eventually, but not until it was made safe. A police spokesman said discussions with the agencies were 'ongoing'.

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Twenty-nine men died in a series of explosions at the West Coast mine, north of Greymouth, on November 19, 2010. Osborne's husband Milton was among them. 

'[Police] are not underground mining experts and miners are not forensic experts. Once the mining experts go in an inspect the drift and make sure it's safe to enter, the police will then go in and gather forensics,' Osborne said.

She had been told training of re-entry staff would ensure 'nothing is compromised by making it safe'.

Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in the mine blast, was confident safety concerns could be worked through.

'I know the first risk assessment was done and there were a few issues but nothing that can't be ironed out,' he said.

Monk suggested a conference with his group's experts from the UK and the police's experts 'if the need be'.

The police spokesman they were continuing to discuss the re-entry plan with the Pike River Recovery Agency, mine experts and Worksafe. The most recent discussion with experts took place on Friday, and discussions were 'ongoing'.

'Police will go into the mine when we know it is safe and we know that there is no risk to our staff, or any others who are in the mine with us.

'This is a complex, technical process and we are absolutely committed to supporting the work to re-enter the mine, just as we are to ensuring safety of our staff. We are currently developing training to be given to staff, and have established a dedicated team to support the police role in the re-entry operation. This work will continue in the coming weeks.'

Osborne said the initial team would check the integrity of the tunnel and rockfall at the top of the drift, put any rock supports necessary and gett rid of any pockets of methane they might come across in the roof.

Once they deemed it safe for police to enter, a forensic team would go in, she said. 

She said the families had regular meetings and the police were invited to the next one on Wednesday to give any family members who could attend an update. The update would include how the police would handle any forensic evidence or any remains found.

Christchurch Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Collins has been seconded to represent police in the Pike River Recover Agency. He could not be contacted for comment on Tuesday.

He said in September if re-entry was achieved, police would complete a scene examination, recover any bodies, and complete any other processes required on behalf of the coroner.

Police decided in 2013 to leave the criminal investigation open until the scene could be examined.

Any new evidence they found would be used to determine whether charges could be laid.

Comment has been sought from Little, who is in Europe attending the United Nations.

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