Rescuers in northern India have rescued 13 of the 41 workers trapped in a tunnel under the Himalayas, government district information officer Kirti Panwar told CNN on Tuesday.
Video footage from the scene showed Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand state meeting the workers, who appeared to be in good health, as they were removed from the tunnel amid jubilant scenes.
The men have been trapped since November 12 when the part of tunnel they were helping to construct in India’s northern Uttarakhand state gave way, blocking their only exit with more than 60 meters (200 feet) of broken rock, concrete and twisted metal.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the rescuers and the trapped men.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, he writes:
"The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional.
"I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that their families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough."
His post goes on to say:
Quote Message: I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork."I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork."
