SAN JOSÉ MINE, Chile ? A drill has broken through and reached the 33 miners trapped nearly a half a mile below underground for more than two months, Chilean officials announced Saturday morning amid celebratory bells. A powerful drill, twisting and pounding its way through the abrasive volcanic rock, completed a rescue hole for the miners to be hauled to the surface, according to Chile?s mining minister. But a rescue would still be days away, and officials here warned that the operation was entering its most dangerous phase. Every decision, they said, carried a risk that the inspiring story consuming the Chilean government and captivating the world could quickly turn toward disaster.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/wo...s/10chile.html