2nd blast erases hope of rescuing NZ miners

GREYMOUTH, New Zealand Officials said even if the missing men had survived the initial explosion five days ago, no one could have survived the second blast.

Toxic and potentially explosive gases have kept rescuers from entering the mine.

Authorities said they are now in recovery mode.

The miners were deep in the mine in /*Greymouth*/ when the first blast ripped through the cavern Friday.

An investigation is underway into both explosions.