The spokesperson for the families of the Pike River mine victims is pleased an Australian mine expert has confirmed the families' suspicions that the mine's safety was not up to standard.
The expert, David Reece, told the Pike River Royal Commission that regulators in Australia would have shut the mine until the ventilation problems were fixed and a second emergency exit put in place.
Spokesperson Bernie Monk says most people do not realise how bad safety at the mine was.
Mr Monk says the mine expert has confirmed the families' belief that the mine workers never stood a chance because there was hardly any ventilation or a way of getting out of the mine.
