Three workers trapped inside an underground plaster silo at a cement plant in northwestern Nicaragua were rescued safe and sound, authorities said.

It took nearly 10 hours to extract the workers, fire department Maj. Felix Tellez told reporters at the Cemex company’s facility in San Rafael del Sur, 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Managua.

The drama began late Saturday, when employee Milton Delgado accidentally fell into the silo, roughly 15 meters (49 feet) below ground, Tellez said.



Co-workers Rudy Cabrera and Eduardo Mercado tried to help Delgado, but instead wound up trapped along with him.



Rescuers managed to get liquids and oxygen to the trapped workers as they waited to be dug out, Tellez said.

Delgado, Cabrera and Mercado were listed in stable condition at the Military Hospital in Managua, the Red Cross said.

Authorities are investigating to determine whether negligence or failure to comply with safety regulations may have played a part in the accident.
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