Trapped minersmay be freeda month early
THE families of 33 trapped miners are in high spirits after a surge in the drilling of escape tunnels raised hopes that the men's rescue may come sooner than scheduled.
Relatives smiled, hugged and yelled “Viva Chile!” yesterday as officials reported one of the rescue drills had made twice the expected progress.
They promised the families that preparations for the rescue effort on the surface would be ready by October 12, and they are planning for the possibility the miners could be pulled up nearly a month ahead of schedule.
But the officials also urged caution, warning that unforeseen problems could slow the work.