Survivor struggled to breathe after NZ coal blast

The explosion that left 29 miners missing in New Zealand was a series of bangs that pelted debris and made it a struggle to breathe, said a coal cutter who lost consciousness but eventually walked out of the tunnel with minor injuries.

Toxic gases after Friday's explosion still prevented rescuers from entering the mine Sunday, and evidence of heat underground was concerning officials, who feared there could be another blast.

"Something is happening underground, but what it is we don't know," said Peter Whittall, chief executive of Pike River Mine Ltd.

Fresh air was being pumped down an open air line, but gas levels were still fluctuating so much late Sunday that waiting rescue teams were forbidden to enter the mine near Atarau on South Island.

A six-inch (15-centimeter) -wide hole was being drilled from the mountain above down 500 feet (150 meters) to the mine to assess air quality and to lower listening devices. The missing miners have not been heard from since the blast but officials insist the search for them is a rescue operation. The drill was expected to reach the mine wall overnight.

New Zealand's mining sector is generally safe. In China _ which has the world's deadliest mines _ water flooded a small coal mine Sunday, trapping 28 workers, officials said. Thirteen workers escaped and rescue work continued for the missing men.

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