Mine explosion

[jmortensen]

On the matter of fires in Australia, I cannot believe how some populations of people want to build and live so close to and even within envelopes of eucalyptus trees. Why do insurance companies provide cover at standard rates to these properties?

Here in the US the government subsidizes insurance for people who live in the flood plain of the Mississippi river. Pretty stupid place to live, but hey, if there's no consequences and you get a house full of new stuff every couple years... :stupid:

If they are charging "standard" rates, I would guess it is by government mandate. Surely an insurance company would know better.

[1 Bravo 6]

Like Dave, I can't see the sense in living in an area surrounded by eucalypt trees growing close to the house. However, those living in such an area are not permitted to clear the land around their homes.

I seem to remember how one bloke, whose home was spared by the flames while his neighbours lost everything was issued a fine for having cleared combustible material from around his home, which was instrumental in his home not going up in flames.

I wonder who forced through such rediculous legislation that disallows such obvious precautions.

Rick.

[olzed]

Some friends of ours lived in Bylands, rural Victoria not far from Kilmore, one of the towns badly affected by the last big blaze.

The fires some years ago, called ,from memory 'Ash Wednesday', burned within metres of their home which had not a tree for hundreds of metres. The fire just roared across the dry farmland. No where near as risky as living amongst the trees, but still very scary.

Brian.

[240znz]

My fathers cousins son is one of the miners lost in that mine at Pike River. We didn't know them really. Fourth large explosion today.

All mining has risk. That risk is accessed and minimised as much as possible, but there is always a risk. Each miner made the decision to work in that environment and I'd guess that they would be been informed of the risk prior to signing an employment agreement. However, we expect to come home after a days work.

The NZ government has called for the highest possible enquiry (being a Royal Enquiry) which we all hope will try to find out why and what could be done better.

No matter how you look at it, 29 men went to work and didn't come home. My thoughts are with the families and fingers crossed they are able to remove the bodies soon so these people can start closure. I shudder to think what they are going through.

It's been a bad 2010 for us in the South Island of this beautiful country of New Zealand.

1. 7.1 Canterbury earthquake and over 3377 aftershocks to date. Slowing down a bit now so getting better.

2. Skydiving plane crashes on take off killing all on board just south of the Mine Disaster on the day of the Canterbury Earthquake.

3. Freak snow dump hit our sorthern most city and collapsed a major sports complex, no one died.

4. 29 die at Pike River.

Those of you who have visited this land know we live in a very special place on our globe.

2011 can't end fast enough for some.