Construction workers in Hangzhou are considering their futures, and thanking their lucky stars, as rescuers continue to search for survivors and bodies at the site of the collapsed subway tunnel.

At least eight people are dead after a road caved in on a subway tunnel under construction in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on November 15, 2008. Chances of survival are slim for those still trapped underground.

Since Saturday, dozens of men have been confined to their living quarters, waiting for an end to the tragedy that has already claimed the lives of eight of their colleagues.

Zhang Xiaohua from Ji'an, Jiangxi province, told China Daily yesterday: "All subway construction sites in Hangzhou have closed down, so we have to wait here until the rescue work is finished.

"I just want to get my wages and go home as soon as possible."

He said he shudders when he thinks back to the moment the cave-in happened, as he was working underground.

"In the blink of an eye, concrete, sand and steel pipes all came crashing down.

"There was total chaos both above and below ground. We were paralyzed with fear," he said.

"I think about what would have happened to my family if I had lost my life.

"I have elderly parents, and young children. What would they live on?"

He and his workmates have considering what to do next, he said.

"I want to go home and spend some time with my family. If I get another job, it has to be something safer."

Fang Richeng, from Chun'an county, Zhejiang province, was working above ground at the time of the tunnel collapse.