Security Guard Rescued After 8 Days Under Rubble

CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela — A Venezuelan security guard has been rescued alive after spending eight days trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building following last week's devastating twin earthquakes.

The survivor, identified as Hernán Gil, was pulled from the ruins of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping centre in Catia La Mar after a rescue operation lasting more than 100 hours from the moment rescuers detected signs of life.

Gil had been trapped beneath an estimated 140 tonnes of rubble after the building collapsed during earthquakes on 24 June. Despite his ordeal, officials said he was in remarkably good condition. A Costa Rican Red Cross medic explained that Gil survived because he was inside a small concrete security booth in the basement car park when the building came down, which formed a protective pocket around him.

One rescuer reported that Gil had not even suffered a broken or torn fingernail. Another described the operation as one of the most technically complex rescue missions ever faced.

Rescue teams from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States participated in the effort. During the operation, crews supplied Gil with water, an IV drip, a face mask and protective goggles through a narrow opening. The rescue tunnel collapsed several times during the work, highlighting the danger faced by both Gil and the rescue workers.

A small camera eventually captured Gil looking toward rescuers, one eye reddened and his face covered by a protective mask. Despite his ordeal, Gil remained alert and even requested his preferred flavour of electrolyte drink. A Mexican Red Cross worker noted that Gil helped encourage the rescue team, telling them he was glad they had returned to stay with him.

The rescue came as Venezuela continued searching for survivors following the 24 June earthquakes, which have killed more than 2,000 people, injured thousands more and left many others missing.