28 New Zealand gold miners rescued after fire

Twenty-eight miners have been rescued from a New Zealand gold mineafter a fire trapped the men underground for up to seven hours.
A truck engine caught fire early Tuesday at the Trio mine in the North Islandtown of Waihi. Mine officials said the ventilation system pumped smoke throughthe mine that could be seen coming out the vent shaft.
Initially, 28 men were trapped about 150 meters (500 feet) underground insafety chambers. After more than 5 hours, 13 men taking refuge in two safetychambers were rescued. After seven hours, the remaining men in a third chamberwere also rescued.
Mine spokesman Kit Wilson says one man was being checked by medical officialsfor suspected smoke inhalation but the rest are fine.

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The New Indian Express
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