Flood rescue in China

All 29 miners trapped in a flooded Chinese coal mine were lifted to safety yesterday, ending a day-long rescue drama.

The miners were trapped yesterday after the Batian mine in south-western Sichuan province flooded.

State broadcaster China Central Television showed a line of ambulances and large crowds waiting near the entrance to the mine and medics easing survivors wrapped in quilts on to stretchers after being led out of the mine.

The miners were barefoot and naked, their work clothes apparently drenched by the flood, and they wore blindfolds so the sunlight would not hurt their eyes after more than 24 hours in the darkened mine shafts.

The crowd erupted into celebratory applause and shouting as each miner was brought out.