May 9 (Bloomberg) -- Two Australian miners walked free today after being trapped for two weeks almost 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) underground in a gold mine at Beaconsfield in Australia's Tasmania state.
Todd Russell and Brant Webb, wearing their hardhats and fluorescent jackets, walked out of the mine and hugged family and friends about 6 a.m. local time after being freed by rescuers. The two were trapped in a 1.5 square meter cage after a rock slide on April 25. It killed their workmate, Larry Knight.
``This is the greatest survival story I've ever heard of,'' Australian Workers Union secretary Bill Shorten told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio.
Beaconsfield, a town of 1,000 people, has been front-page news in Australia since the two men were found alive on April 30. Rescuers delivered food, portable music players and blankets to the men via a tube, while they drilled and blasted a 16-meter tunnel to release them.
The mine's siren rang out and the bells chimed at the town's Uniting Church after rescuers reached the men at about 5 a.m.
``They're fit, they're well,'' Matthew Gill, mine manager, told reporters in the town. ``I am amazed at their condition.''
The men waved as they were taken by ambulance to Tasmania's Launceston Hospital.
``They are in very good physical shape and we believe they will only be here a minimal amount of time,'' hospital spokesman Stephen Ayre told Channel 7 television.
Miners Rescued
Russell, a father of three, and Webb, a father of twins, were part of a group of 14 miners working when the rockslide occurred. Eleven made it to the surface that day.
``This day belongs above all else to the community of Beaconsfield,'' Prime Minister John Howard told reporters in Canberra. ``This is their triumph, their vindication of what a wonderful community they represent.''
The funeral of Knight, the miner who died, will be held today in Launceston.
Beaconsfield Gold runs the mine in a venture with Allstate Exploration NL.
``The brave and tireless efforts of the rescue team and of the Beaconsfield mine management and employees are acknowledged with appreciation,'' Melbourne-based Beaconsfield said in a statement.
