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3:45pm - First reports come in of an explosion at Pike River coal mine.
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7:29pm - Police say two miners who escaped indicated three of their colleagues were also on their way to the surface. No one else comes out of the mine.
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8:17am - 29 miners are confirmed missing.
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12:04pm - Search and rescue staff prepare to enter mine after initial air tests come back clear.
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4pm - Police withdraw teams checking air samples at the mine because of a drop in air quality.
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7:30am - Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn says a rescue needs to begin soon for the sake of the trapped miners' families.
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9:20am - A rescue robot is sent into the mine but fails due to mechanical issues after encountering water.
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6:15pm - A camera lowered to 'fresh air' space shows minor damage. No sign of miners.
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6am - A second robot is in the mine while a third is flown in from Australia.
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9:45am - Bore drill breaks into the mine. Gas levels are "off the limit" and unsafe, police say.
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2:37pm - A second explosion occurs in the mine. All 29 miners are now believed to be dead.
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4pm - A third explosion hits the mine.
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2pm - A fourth explosion rocks the mine. Flames pour out of the entrance.
