13 Nov 2014

Pike families still pushing for re-entry

9:57 am on 13 November 2014

Some Pike River family members say they plan to keep campaigning for re-entry into the mine and for charges to be laid over the disaster.

Solid Energy has said a special meeting may be held to discuss whether the mine's drift can be safely re-entered.

The entrance to the Pike River mine Photo: RNZ

Last week the mine's owner Solid Energy said it will not re-enter the West Coast mine to recover the remains of the 29 men killed in explosions in 2010.

Spokesperson for many of the families Bernie Monk said about 20 family members, some via phone from overseas, took part in an emotional meeting last night.

Bernie Monk.

Bernie Monk. Photo: RNZ

"Some of them felt as though that had been getting bulldozed into something, the decision was made too quick on what was to happen there and they were still trying to get over what actually happened last week."

He said some of them felt the decision by Solid Energy was made far too quickly, and some were still in shock as a result of it.

Mr Monk said he planned to meet with several departments within the next week.

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