Chile miners could be rescued by mid-October

THE families of 33 trapped miners are in high spirits after a surge in the drilling of escape tunnels raised hopes that the men’s rescue may come sooner than scheduled.

Relatives smiled, hugged and yelled “Viva Chile!” as officials reported one of the rescue drills made twice the progress than had been expected.

They promised the families that preparations for the rescue effort on the surface would be ready by October 12, and said they are planning for the possibility the miners could be pulled up a month ahead of the official schedule.