New Zealand miners missing after explosion

Twenty-seven miners have been reported missing after an explosion at a remote coal mine on New Zealand's South Island.



The mayor of Greymouth, south-west of the Pike River mine, has described the situation as serious but says rescuers are on hand.



However, concerns about the possibility of another explosion have delayed attempts to enter the mineshaft.



BBC reports say there has so far been no contact with the missing miners, whose friends and relatives have gathered at the scene.



Earlier, two workers walked out of the mine with moderate injuries.