NZ mine probe hears of warnings

New Zealand's former chief coal mines inspector has said he repeatedly warned of ventilation problems at the Pike River mine before the explosion in which two Scots and 27 other workers died.

Harry Bell told the official inquiry into last year's disaster that he had called for the mine to be shut down.

He had warned managers that their plans to have a single entrance to the mine were "madness" because it would not allow for the proper ventilation of volatile gasses like methane. Mr Bell said he was so concerned about the situation he called a government mining inspector.

But while some changes were made, the operation continued.

His testimony on the fourth day of hearings was the toughest so far against the Pike River operation. The commission has previously heard testimony from others concerned about safety in the mine and financial pressures facing the mining company.

Mr Bell, whose nephew was killed in the explosion, was called as an expert witness and was not working in any official capacity in late 2008, when he said he raised concerns.

Pete Rodger, 40, from Perthshire, and Malcolm Campbell, 25, from St Andrews, Fife, were among the victims.