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antipodi
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Joined: 25 Jan 2006
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Tue May 09, 2006 9:23 am
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 Breaking news Story: Australian Miners Walk free
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At last some good news hot off the Press
Miners walk free
Brant Webb was the first of the pair to be taken out by ambulance. Both he and Todd Russell will be examined at Launceston Hospital.
Trapped miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb have walked from the mine that entrapped them for two weeks - and may attend today's funeral of dead workmate Larry Knight.
At 6am exactly, the pair - clad in bright yellow jackets and mining helmets, lights shining - emerged on the surface into the arms of loved ones, as a roar of joy rose up among Beaconsfield residents packing the perimeter of the mine.
Smiling, bearded and looking remarkably well, the men spent five minutes amid an emotional throng, hugging and shaking hands with family, rescuers, paramedics and colleagues.
They then each climbed into an ambulance for an emotional slow drive out of the mine and through a cheering guard of honour made up of their rescuers and townspeople.
Mine manager Matthew Gill said he was astounded at the men's condition.
"They're incrdible people," he said. Asked f the men might attend today's funeral, Mr Gill said: " If they're physically fit and they want to, yes. I would be surpised if they don't."
Launceston Hospital chief executive Stephen Ayre said the men were unlikely to spend long in hospital
"They are in very good physical shape (and) we believe they will only be here a minimal amount of time," he told the Seven network.
Tasmanian deputy Premier Bryan Green said the rescued miners had a long road ahead.
"Physically they're obviously very fit and they remain so, it seems, but they have got a lot to work through in respect of this,'' Mr Green told the Nine Network.
"I don't think they could ever imagine, when they came to the surface, just what they are going to see. It's quite incredible.
"They've got to work through a lot of emotions obviously, and of course today, with Larry's funeral, there are going to be big emotions for them.''
They came to surface just over an hour after rescuers freed them from the rockfall that had entombed them for a fortnight.
Mine officials contacted reporters at 4am with a two-hour alert that the pair may walk free from their ordeal about 6am today.
"Both Brant and Todd are out of the tunnel and well," mine manager Mathew Gill mine informed reporters in a text message shortly before 5am.
Shortly after 5am AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten confirmed the rescue saying:
"Today we've had unbelievable news. After 14 nights, at 4.47am Brant Webb and at 4.54am Todd Russel were freed. The families are up there (at the mine]."
"This is an amazing day, the rescuers have done an amazing job, the families have been fantastic and clearly these two men have been outstanding Australians," Mr Shorten said.
The family of Brant Webb arrived at the mine about 4.40am with AWU officials.
Tasmanian Deputy Premier Bryan Green is also at the scene and Beaconsfield residents have begun arriving in the park opposite.
As news spread thoughout Beaconsfield, church bells and fire engine sirens rang out in celebration.
Reports said the men had been taken to room 700 metres below the surface. There, they were medically assessed and given a level three rating by paramedics, which means they will require observation but not critical care.
They will then be taken to the 375 metre level crib room where they will shower and shave.
Reports say the pair are in remarkably good shape after a fortnight in cramped conditions, raising hopes they would walk from the mine entrance to greet waiting loved ones and colleagues before travelling in separate ambulances to Launceton General Hospital.
Hundreds of Beaconsfield residents have gathered gather along West Street outside the mine to cheer the men as they are pass in ambulances.
Fire sirens rang out across the town at 5.50am.
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Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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jsqueek
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Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 808
Karma: +10 (10)
Location: UK
Wed May 10, 2006 1:46 am
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yes i saw on tv last night. good news indeed for these men. 
sad for the one that died. 
the 2 men wouldnt even lay down in the ambulance, so happy and relieved to be alive.
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js
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