Workers trapped in China tunnel safe: Rescuers

BEIJING: All the 21 workers trapped in a collapsed under construction tunnel in China's east Fujian Province were safe today as rescuers managed to insert an air vent through the massive rubble to provide ventilation.

The workers shouted through the air vent, stating that there were safe, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

They confirmed that the vent was working properly in the afternoon by knocking on a 27-meter-long iron tube, according to local work safety authorities.

Rescuers were informed that 21 workers were trapped after a 30-metre long section of the expressway tunnel in Longyan City collapsed.

Debris, estimated at 5,000 cubic metres, have blocked the tunnel which was being expanded to accommodate the expressway linking Xiamen City of Fujian and Chengdu, capital of country's southwest Sichuan Province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Rescuers said that they would strive to rescue the workers within 30 hours.