Society
Rescue continues for trapped in tunnel collapse
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-20 16:00
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ZHUOZI, Inner Mongolia - Rescuers are working all-out Saturday for 10 workers who were trapped in a collapsed railway tunnel Friday in north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
No progress had been reported as of 9:30 am, the emergency rescue headquarters said.
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An estimated 2,000 cubic meters of rocks and dirt caved in. But experts said supporting frameworks in the tunnel could shelter the workers and increase their chances of survival.
More than 300 rescuers and 60 machines drilled into the rubble Friday night hoping to improve ventilation and sending food and water for the trapped workers.
The tunnel is part of a railway being built to link Ulanqab city's Jining district and Baotou city, Inner Mongolia.
"We were working in the tunnel when gravel and dust began pouring down," said Li Tiying, one of the six survivors. "We ran, and cried out for everyone else to run with us."
When he had escaped to safety, Li said he took one last look at the tunnel and saw dim light inside. "But within seconds, the tunnel was sealed off by stones and sand."
