1967 Strongman mine accident

Nineteen men were killed when an explosion ripped through the Strongman Mine at Runanga just after 10 a.m. An investigation concluded that safety regulations were not followed and that the shot was incorrectly fired.

Located near Greymouth, the Strongman mine (New Zealand's largest underground coal mine) had enjoyed an impeccable safety record since its opening in 1939. All that changed in January 1967 when an explosion sent a fireball through a section of the mine. There were 240 men working in the mine at the time. An even greater death toll was avoided because the fireball hit a wet patch in the tunnel near the explosion which caused it to slow and then extinguish itself.

Smoke and firedamp (methane gas produced by coal) made the task of searching for survivors and bodies particularly dangerous. When mixed with a certain level of air, firedamp becomes highly explosive and those involved in the rescue were at constant risk of another explosion. Fourteen bodies were recovered that day. It took another three weeks to retrieve two more bodies. The tunnel was sealed off before the last two could be recovered. A number of those involved in the rescue received the British Empire Medal for their bravery.

An inquiry into the disaster concluded that at least two mining regulations had been broken. The government was ordered to pay compensation to the families of the victims.