Joy in Chile as miners reach surface

Celebrations have broken out across Chile after the first of the 33 men trapped underground for two months has been brought to the surface.

It has been one of those rare news stories that keeps getting better instead of worse. Few expected the 33 men to have survived a cave-in that sealed them underground on Aug. 5, and when they were found 17 days later, officials said that it could take until Christmas to get them out. But rescue operations are well ahead of schedule and are going like clockwork. Late last night, Florencio Avalos became the first man to reach the surface through a capsule lowered into the miners’ underground shelter. His arrival prompted an emotional scene, as his young son sobbed with joy and the country’s president stood by and cheered. As of 8 a.m. EST, nine men have been rescued. You can watch live video of the efforts here.