Indian tunnel workers finally freed after more than two weeks stuck underground
The 41 workers have been stuck in the tunnel for 16 days.
Workers who were trapped when an under-construction road tunnel collapsed in India have breathed fresh air for the first time in 16 days after being rescued.
The 41 road builders became stuck in the tunnel, located on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand state, when it caved in on the morning of November 12.
Food, water and medical supplies were delivered to them through pipes stuck through the rubble.
Sky News reported that the first two workers were freed just before 8pm local time (2.30pm GMT).
Rescuers used wheeled stretchers tied to ropes to pull them out from the darkness, as gathered relatives watched on.
Both the State and National Disaster Response Forces are involved in the rescue effort, with the state government also providing assistance.
Within days of the collapse, there were reports the workers were growing sick.
On November 15, local magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said workers had sent messages to say some were suffering from body aches, fever and nerves.
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