General Chat

Well the local radio station had a minutes silence as respect for Larry Knight to coincide with the start of the funeral. I also hope the media give the relatives and friends plenty of space at this time, all their stories on this event have already been got, or should have. Both Todd and Brant will be attending the service as they have checked out of hospital. I am going to stand out the front of my place to watch them go past, leading the presession will be Larry's Harley then all the bikies will lead the hearse. The council have appealed to all shoppers to the city to not park in a multi storey car park near the church so as their will be plenty of parking for the people attending the funeral. Wonder if they will charge them?? Hope not.

Hi Tony, PP, Joy and susan. It is truly wonderful news. There was just a news confrence from the hospital and it looks like they will be going to the funeral of Larry Knight at 1.00 (Tas Time) this afternoon, and there is a possibility they wont be returning to the hospital afterwards. They are 2 tough unique blokes, not many people could go through what they have and be in such great shape.

I started a thread before I saw yours, Tassie, so I will add to your thread and say how wonderful it is for Beaconsfield and Australia to see these brave men walk out. I don't think there was a dry eye in Australia. God bless them and the family of Larry Knight. Susan

Have only just heard this wonderful news, what a blessed relief!! Thank God for this miracle rescue and for everyone involved in releasing these two brave men. Thoughts and prayers for Larry Knight who tragically died, and for all his loved ones. Joy.

Wonderful to see them on tv and see how well they looked. What a shame there had to be a loss too, with Larry not living to see his loved ones again. May he Rest in Peace and may lessons be learned so fewer and fewer accidents happen to these brave men. Thoughts too for the journalist. I hope both men are soon back to normal. Will they ever want to work below ground again, I wonder?

14 days underground, half a mile down, cramped in a area no bigger that a double bed, and to see these two miners,Todd Russell and Brant Webb walk to freedom is a miracle at its best. Todd Russell, 35, and Brant Webb, 37, who are both married with children, were in a tiny steel cage which saved their lives. Miner Larry Knight died, and his funeral will be held to-day, Tuesday Australian time ( God Bless ) The Church bells rang at 5:59 am this morning in the town of Beaconsfield Tassie to let the people know that the miners were free. Three cheers for the miners also, that worked sometimes with pick and shovel through the night to save there mates. God bless them all and there families. Tony Oz

Anna Looking at the size of the miners I dont think anyone would be game to stand in their way, and I do believe they do want to go to the funeral of Larry Knight.

Brilliant news Devly. The whole of Australia is glued to the television screens - can't believe how well the guys look. The space they were trapped in was so small that if one of the men rolled over, the other had to roll as well. They are very tough guys. I'm sure that they will want to be at Larry's funeral. The psychologist said it would be good for them emotionally to attend. Good on the rescuers for their sterling efforts Anna

Watched them come out on the news, they looked so happy, thinking though of the man who didn't make it, and his family.........Barbara............

Carole From reports we are hearing a speedy recovery could be on the cards. How accurate it is who knows but one reporter recons they may only be in hospital for a matter of a couple of hours not a day or so, which is first thought. Brant, one of the miners didnt even want to go to hospital, he asked if he could just go home. After 14 days of being trapped I can understand that would be high on your mind.

Thanks Sue, everyone is releived that they are out. Gwenneth yes it is a bit like a bitter sweet day today, people want to celebrate the miners rescue. but the celebrations are going to be a bit more subdue as today is the funeral for Larry and of course most are wanting to go to that so maybe tonight they may celebrate more. Larrys family have been that understanding in this situation, they held off the funeral for as long as they could so Todd and Brant could make it. By the look of how they walked out of the mine, I bet they will be pushing the hospital to let them go.

Bloody Incredible!!!!! Aussie resilience at its best. A wonderful outcome. Lewella xxx :-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))0

Thank goodness they are finally safe. We all take miners for granted really,don't we, relying on our coal-burning power stations for electricity. Despite stringent safety regulations (well, apart from in China, where there are regular reports of disasters in the mines) accidents can still happen so deep underground. Best wishes to all involved in the rescue, & wishing the miners a speedy recovery. Carole

So pleased to hear that they are out. All credit to their rescuers. Having someone to talk to must have helped each man to cope with this terrifying experience. Thinking of Larry and his family. What must they be thinking as the community rightly rejoices in the rescue? Gwyn

I've been watching it live on Sky News - can't believe how fit they looked! I thought the two men they were focussing on were the rescuers first of all, before it really dawned that they were the centres of SO many hugs! What a neat ending to a ghastly tale - and how lucky they are that they mine in this day and age rather than 100 years ago - or even 10 maybe, when they wouldn't have been found. Not forgetting their colleague who wasn't lucky enough to have been in the cage at the right time. Enjoy the day, Tassie! Sue (in NZ)

They have made it to the hospital.

Thats good news Tassie. Glad they are safe & well Heather x

Well Todd and Brant are on their way to hospital. They got in the ambo and they slowly drove up the lane of the mine with the doors open so they could thank all the people who gathered to see them.

Thank God they have got out,what a nightmare for them to be trapped underground like that! They and their families must have been to hell and back. Special thanks to the brave folk who rescued them. Maureen

Yes three cheers to the rescuers, they are the real heros.