A man has been rescued alive after being trapped for eight days in the rubble of a building that collapsed following twin earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Emergency workers successfully freed Hernán Gil more than 100 hours after locating him under 140 tonnes of debris.
According to a Chilean firefighter, the rescue operation was described as "without doubt the most complex and technically difficult" he had ever tackled. As of now, almost 2,300 people have been confirmed dead due to the quakes, with tens of thousands still reported missing.
Challenges Faced During the Rescue Operation
Rescue teams faced numerous challenges while attempting to reach Gil. Allan Madrigal, a paramedic with the Costa Rican Red Cross, recalled the moment he heard Gil's faint cries for help. "It was an emotional moment," Madrigal stated, explaining that he initially doubted his ears and had to confirm with a colleague.
Gil, who was on duty in a small concrete booth in the basement of a parking lot adjacent to the Galerias Playa Grande mall, was protected from the rubble that collapsed around him. Remarkably, medics reported that he emerged from the ordeal without even a crushed nail.
International Efforts to Save Hernán Gil
Rescue teams from various countries, including Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States, worked collaboratively to free Gil. They provided him with water and attached him to an intravenous drip while carefully digging away the rubble.
- 100 hours of rescue efforts
- Over 2,300 fatalities reported
- Rescue teams from 7 countries
Overnight, rescuers finally established visual contact with Gil. A small camera was used to communicate with him, ensuring he was safe as they continued their efforts. One of his eyes was bloodshot, and he was wearing a face mask to protect him from dust.
Emotional Support During the Rescue
Gil’s cheerful demeanor helped boost the morale of rescuers. Marco Antonio Franco from the Mexican Red Cross described him as "a cheerful man" who even requested hydration drinks of specific flavors. Franco noted that Gil encouraged his rescuers, saying, "how nice that you came back and that you’re with me again."
The interaction between Gil and the rescue teams created a sense of camaraderie. They engaged in conversations about his family and the ongoing rescue efforts. Madrigal, reflecting on his experience, stated, "The lad who came here a week ago is not the same one that will return to Costa Rica, believe me."
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
