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Rescued after eight days: Security guard found alive in Venezuela earthquake rubble
🇦🇷 Argentina /Disasters & Emergencies

Rescued after eight days: Security guard found alive in Venezuela earthquake rubble

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Security guard Hernán Gil Flores was rescued after being trapped for eight days in the rubble of a shopping center following earthquakes in Venezuela.
  • Rescue teams, including international brigades, worked tirelessly to reach Gil, who was located in the security booth where he worked.
  • Videos show the dramatic moments of the rescue operation, highlighting Gil's resilience and the collaborative efforts of rescuers.

Hernán Gil Flores, a 43-year-old security guard, has been dramatically rescued after spending eight days trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed shopping center in Catia La Mar, Venezuela. The incident occurred during powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck the region on June 24.

He’s playing.

— USAR Brigadista (Chile)A rescuer observes Gil interacting with debris while communicating via a camera lowered into the rubble.

Gil was working in the security booth at the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center when the structure crumbled. Miraculously, the booth remained intact, creating an air pocket that likely saved his life. Rescue teams first heard his voice on Monday, initiating a complex operation involving international brigades, including USAR teams from Chile and search and rescue groups from El Salvador.

Compelling videos circulating on social media captured the intense rescue efforts. One particularly striking clip shows Gil, covered in dust and wearing a mask, interacting with rescuers via a camera lowered into the rubble. He appeared to be playing with a piece of debris, a sign of his enduring spirit amidst the ordeal. Rescuers noted his resilience, with one brigadista remarking, “He’s playing.”

Hernán, I need you to look towards the camera a little bit. Try to keep the goggles on because of the debris that is coming off, please.

— USAR Brigadista (Chile)A rescuer gives instructions to Gil while he is being observed through a camera.

During the operation, rescuers maintained communication with Gil, providing him with hydration and food. He was also able to speak with a member of El Salvador's Search and Rescue Group, assuring them he could hear them. In a poignant moment, Gil initially asked rescuers not to tell his wife he was alive, fearing he might not survive. He and his wife have two young children, aged eight and ten.

Don Hernán, can you hear me?

— El Salvador Search and Rescue MemberA rescuer attempts to establish communication with Gil while he is trapped.

The rescue was fraught with challenges, including the instability of the structure, debris, and recent rainfall, according to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. The collaborative international effort, however, ultimately led to Gil's safe extraction from the ruins.

Yes, I hear you.

— Hernán Gil FloresGil responds to the rescuer's call, confirming he is alive and can communicate.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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