Workers face fanfare and battery of tests

CHILE’S 33 rescued miners posed with the president and were poked by doctors yesterday, itching to reunite with families and sleep in their own beds for the first time since a cave-in nearly killed them on August 5.

Relatives were organising welcome-home parties and trying to hold off an onslaught of demands by those seeking to share in the glory of the amazing rescue that captivated people around the world and set off horn-blowing celebrations across this South American nation.

President Sebastian Pinera posed with the miners, most of whom were wearing bathrobes and slippers, for a group photo, and then celebrated the rescue as an achievement that will bring Chile a new level of respect around the world.