Robot Breakdown Delays New Zealand Mine Rescue

Efforts to reach 29 coal miners trapped underground in New Zealand have stalled after a mechanical robot broke down inside a tunnel.

Police superintendent Gary Knowles said the robot, which was sent into the mine to assess the toxic gas levels and transmit images of the conditions, was damaged and is out of commission.

He said authorities are rushing to bring other robots from Australia and the United States to continue the operation.

The 29 men were trapped in the Pike River Coal Mine on the South Island’s west coast Friday when a buildup of methane gas caused an explosion.

Knowles said everything possible is being done to reach the men, but tests show it is still too dangerous for rescue crews to go underground. He said hopes are beginning to fade as the situation drags on.

Authorities say the men include several British and Australian citizens and range in age from 17 to 62. There has been no contact with them since Friday’s blast.

Some information in this story was provided by AP and AFP.