Trapped Chilean miners pulled to safety - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A feeling of victory and happiness erupted across Chile as the first of 33 Chilean miners, trapped for more than two months was brought out to the surface. According to the Daily News, strapped into a specially-made steel capsule, 31-year-old Florencio Avalos stepped out of a torpedo-shaped capsule that lifted him over 2,000 feet to the surface. Alvalos, who was wearing moisture-resistent green coveralls and a sunglass to protect his eyes, was immediately embraced by a throng of jubilant rescuers and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. "Tonight, the world watches not a tragedy, but a celebration," Pinera said. The rescue operation was broadcast live around the world, leaving viewers thrilled and hundreds dancing in the streets of Chilean towns. US President Barack Obama expressed his thoughts and prayers for the miners’ families as the rescuers are still carrying out the operation to pull out rest of the miners. "While that rescue is far from over and difficult work remains, we pray that by God's grace, the miners will be able to emerge safely and return to their families soon," the paper quoted Obama, as saying. There seemed no end to his family’s happiness after seeing him alive. His wife one of his sons embraced him with joy as he appeared over ground after 69 days. He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical center for examining the condition of his health. A rescue worker reached the miners early Tuesday night. Live video taken from the chamber showed the miner hugging him and within 15 minutes he reached the surface. Luis Urzua, who was shift foreman when the gold and copper mine caved in on August 5, will be the last man to be hoisted up.

Miracle as first of 33 trapped Chilean miners pulled to safety