41 construction workers were trapped in a Himalayan mountain tunnel after a landslide. For 17 days, rescuers worked to get them out, even resorting to digging with their hands when a tunneling machine broke down. Using a narrow pipe, they managed to get water and food to the trapped workers.
See the 41 emerge to cheers and joyful hugs.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand state, announced that the rescued workers would each be given checks worth 100,000 rupees (about $1,200)) and he asked the company to give them some time off.
“We will also ask the company that these 41 workers be allowed to go home and spend time with their family for 15 days, 20 days, or 1 month,” Dhami said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the successful rescue “is making everyone emotional.
“I want to tell the men who were trapped in the tunnel that your bravery and patience are inspiring everyone,” he wrote.