As the Indian army continues operations to end the carnage unleashed by terrorists on India’s commercial capital Mumbai, survivors are beginning to emerge with tales of horror, lucky escapes and heroism.

One such survivor is an official of the South African Revenue Service Erich Keick who recalled his ordeal at theTaj Presidency Hotel a stone throw from the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel where Indian forces continue to battle for control against holed-in terrorists.

Speaking to the South African newspaper The Herald Mr Keick described how they barricaded themselves into rooms for a whole day using furniture against doors and windows as the area remained sealed off as the security operations continued

Across the city in the Oberoi Hotel which was also besieged by terrorist seven members of the crew form the South African Airways (SAA) who were trapped have been rescued and moved to a safe location.

In a statement South African Airways said it will ensure the crew members are transported from Mumbai to South Africa as soon as possible.

In another incident at the Taj Mahal a team of South African bodyguards were hailed as heroes as they led 120 guests to safety. The men armed only with knives and cleavers led the guests, including a wheelchair bound lady whom very carried, down 25 flights of stairs as security forces battled the terrorists in the hotel.

The seven bodyguards were in South Africa to provide protection for players taking part in India’s cricket Premier League.