CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains vivid descriptions of the moments that the disaster occurred. Listener discretion is advised.

On the 19th of November 2010, New Zealand experienced one of its worst mining disasters when there was an explosion deep within the Pike River coal mine.

Today’s episode is the first of a three-part series about the disaster. In this part, you’ll hear about the immediate events that initiated the tragedy from the perspective of the people on the ground and in the mine.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.