Pike River: 'Can we do it differently?'

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn (L) hugs a friend after learning of the second Pike River mine explosion on Wednesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River coal mine where a series of explosions and high levels of toxic gas are believed to have caused the deaths of 29 miners.

"There should be a Royal Inquiry that will let people speak independently," Mr Kokshoorn told the Herald.

He said the coal mining industry had suffered similar tragedies in the past, and suggested that such incidents should not happen in this day and age.

"In those days you can understand the technology wasn't there for the methane, but here in 2010 we have the very same situation."

"The inquiry has to ask why. Can we do it differently? We have to do it differently so people can actually work in the mines. We have to make sure we learn from past mistakes."

Earlier this week Prime Minister John Key indicated a Commission of Inquiry may be held into the deaths of the 29 miners, while police, the Department of Labour and the coroner will all examine what went wrong.