Chanted Hare Krishna: Nepal man after rescue

A Nepalese hydropower project worker rescued after nine days in a tunnel revealed he kept chanting the 'Hare Krishna' mantra to maintain hope during his ordeal. Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old foreman from Saptari district, was among two workers freed on Friday, coinciding with Krishna Janmashtami, the Hindu festival celebrating Lord Krishna's birth.

Sah, who remained in the control room when the accident occurred, said he felt responsible for the safety of his colleagues. He instructed others to flee, but by the time they escaped, he was trapped inside the tunnel. He communicated with three or four others nearby, but acknowledged more workers could still be trapped, especially deeper within the very long tunnel.

The Nepal Army-led rescue team is using specialized equipment to continue the search and recovery efforts.