Families tell of NZ mine trauma

Nov 21 2010

The family and friends of two Scottish miners missing in a New Zealand coal pit explosion have spoken of their anguish as they desperately wait for news of their loved ones.

Pete Rodger, 40, from Perthshire, and Malcolm Campbell, 25, from St Andrews, Fife, are among 29 miners missing after a fireball ripped through the Pike River coal mine in Atarau on the South Island. Rescuers have still not entered the mine, more than three days after the debris-laden blast.

Mr Campbell's father, Malcolm senior, 50, and mother Jane, 45, said they were clinging on to the hope of receiving some good news.