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First reports come in of an explosion at Pike River coal mine about 3:45pm.
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29 miners are confirmed missing. Rescue efforts stopped due to unsafe gas levels.
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A rescue robot is sent into the mine but fails after encountering water.
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A second explosion occurs in the mine. All 29 miners are now believed to be dead.
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A third explosion rocks the mine.
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Flames pour out of mine after a fourth explosion.
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Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (GAG) machine begins pumping carbon dioxide into the mine to quell fires.
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National memorial service held for the victims of the disaster.
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The mine's ventilation shaft is capped.
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Pike River Coal put into receivership.
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Pike River Coal's receivers examine whether it's possible to restart mining at the mine.
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Families of the dead miners told it could be three months before the mine is safe to enter.
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The families of the dead miners hold a memorial service at the mine.
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Fluctuating gas levels delay an attempt to use expanding foam to seal cracks around a secondary shaft.
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Families of the dead miners start their own investigation into the cause of the disaster.
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Police end operation to recover the remains of the miners, saying the mine is too unsafe.
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Prime Minister John Key says the Pike River mine will be sealed, and there is little chance the bodies will be recovered.
