Call to reopen Pike River accident zone

The heartbroken family of a Fife man killed in a New Zealand mining disaster have called for the accident zone to be reopened after watching distressing video footage.

Malcolm Campbell’s parents have seen images that indicate some victims may still have been alive after the Pike River mine was rocked by an explosion seven years ago.

A second explosion four days later, followed by several others, led to the area being declared unsafe and the bodies were never recovered.

Malcolm, of Cameron near St Andrews, was one of those who died alongside Perth man Pete Rodger and 27 others.

Recently emerged footage of the accident area show some victims were still able to move after the first methane gas blast and at least four of the bodies were undamaged. Now Malcolm’s mother Jane and father Malcolm Sr fear their son could have been saved and have called on the New Zealand government to reopen the mine.

“This is the first time this footage has been seen by the families,” said Jane.

“The guys who had the camera down the mine saw movement. The New Zealand government said they didn’t think it was relevant to let the families see this.”

Jane said she was always told everyone would have died after the first explosion but added: “Since hearing about the footage, stupid things go through your head. “Were they hurt but alive? “Did they suffer for four more days? “I wouldn’t like to think Malcolm suffered or lived for a bit longer waiting for somebody to rescue him.”

Last month the 29 bereaved families signed a memorandum with most of New Zealand’s political parties to create an agency dedicated to re-entry to the mine.

The agency will be set up within the first 100 days of the new New Zealand Government following a general election on September 23.

It will take ownership of the mine to recover any remains and evidence.

Current mine owners Solid Energy will be wound up in March.

Malcolm Campbell and Pete Roger both died in the Pike River mining disaster seven years ago.