Pike River: 'I did my best' - Knowles

Superintendent Gary Knowles Knowles has admitted the way Pike River families were told about the deaths of their loved ones should have been handled better. Photo / Simon Baker

Superintendent Gary Knowles has broken down telling the families of the men who died in the Pike River mine he did his best to save their loved ones.

Mr Knowles began his evidence to a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of 29 men in the Pike River mine this afternoon.

He fought back tears while describing the criticism he has faced from some of the families of the dead men.

"I can understand your criticism," he said. "But at the end of the day I did my best."

Mr Knowles admitted the way families were told about the deaths of their loved ones should have been handled better.

He had met with Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall after a devastating explosion in the mine on November 24 extinguished any hope for survivors.

Mr Whittall had told him the dead miners were "his men" and asked to handle the announcement to families.

But Mr Whittall began the meeting with news from earlier that day when authorities were considering launching a rescue operation.

Families clapped before Mr Knowles interjected and told them the men were dead.

"I've never seen such an outpouring of grief," Mr Knowles said.

"It was not the way it should have been given, and I apologise to each of you."

Mr Knowles said informing the families all hope had been lost was the most difficult day of his life.

He said everyone on the rescue and recovery team was also devastated at the news of a second massive explosion at the mine.

"All the people that were working on that day were doing their best."