19 November 2010 Last updated at 00:08 ET

New Zealand miners missing after 'explosion'

As many as 30 workers are reportedly missing after an explosion at a New Zealand coal mine, local media say.

The blast reportedly hit the Pike River Coal mine, some 50km (31 miles) northeast of Greymouth on the country's South Island.

Police had received reports of a "big explosion" at the mine, the Greymouth mayor Tony Kokshoorn told Radio New Zealand.

Emergency services were rushing to the scene.

"It's not good news at all," said Mr Kokshoorn.

He said between 25 and 30 miners remained unaccounted for.