Phạm Công Nhiên was brought out of the furnace after being trapped underground for more than 10 hours. VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH — Two miners have been rescued after they were trapped underground for more than 10 hours.

The drama unfolded around 8.30pm on Saturday when the pair were working in a coal furnace at Vàng Danh Coal Company in Quảng Ninh Province.

The two have been identified as Bùi Tất Tuyên and Phạm Công Nhiên.

As they worked, a large amount of earth and rock above them collapsed, leaving them trapped and fighting for air.

They quickly discovered any escape route was blocked so had to wait for rescuers to arrive.

After the collapse, company officials dispatched rescuers to the scene to try and get to the trapped pair but were hampered by difficult terrain.

Eventually, after 10 hours, they managed to dig through to the duo and clear a path to lead them to safety. 

“When we saw the rescuers we were so happy to see they had saved our lives,” said Nhiên. “They seemed even happier than we were.”

The two men are currently being treated at the Việt Nam-Sweden Hospital in Uông Bí City, Quảng Ninh Province where their conditions are described as stable. — VNS