Three trapped miners brought to the surface in Kemerovo region coal pit

The coal workers were dug out of a trapped underground passage at a depth of 300 metres in Yesaulskaya mine after 34 hours trapped following rock falls. 

A source said: ‘Three miners were lifted to the surface. They are to meet their relatives soon.’

Earlier food and blankets had been passed to the men through a hole. The men were in contact with rescuers throughout the bid to free them.

There had been fears of methane leaks. Rescuers helped the men escape via a 13 metre long tunnel.

Their condition was ‘stable’ after their ordeal. 

Earlier 99 miners had escaped from the coal mine after the rockfall emergency. 

Coal production was resuming today at the mine.