In brief
After a pair of devastating shocks that tore through Venezuela on 24 June, emergency crews unearthed Hernán Gil beneath 140 tonnes of debris after more than 100 hours of work. International teams from Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, the United States, and Venezuelan responders chipped away at the collapsed parking‑lot to reach the man who had been trapped inside a concrete booth. Despite his physical injuries, Gil emerged unbroken, earning the nickname “living miracle” from Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. As the country grapples with 2,595 confirmed deaths, Gil’s rescue offers a glimmer of hope amid the widespread tragedy. The operation highlighted both the technical challenges of rescue work and the extraordinary commitment of volunteer and professional teams worldwide.
In an astonishing rescue mission, Venezuelan security guard Hernán Gil was freed alive after being buried under a collapsed parking‑lot for over a week. The catastrophe sparked by twin earthquakes on 24 June left the building’s concrete roof shattered, trapping Gil inside a basement booth that had become a protective shell.
The Operation
Emergency teams from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal and the United States converged on the site, working relentlessly to clear 140 tonnes of rubble. Chilean firefighters described the job as “the most complex and technically difficult” they had encountered, while a Costa Rican paramedic, Allan Madrigal, noted that Gil had emerged “just perfect” after the ordeal.
With limited oxygen, Gil was kept hydrated via an intravenous drip and was fitted with a face mask and protective goggles delivered through a small hole. During the operation, rescuers monitored his eyelids, which were notably bloodshot, and the broader team kept him cheerful, even requesting his favourite flavored drinks.
International Solidarity
As Gil emerged on a stretcher, international footage captured the moment; a Chilean firefighter asked him to turn his head toward the camera. The recovery team kept an ongoing dialogue with the survivor about his family and the challenges they faced.
The story was shared on social media, where Acting President Delcy Rodríguez praised Gil’s survival as a “living miracle.” In a press conference, she condemned critiques of the government’s response, stating that thousands of officials had been deployed throughout the crisis and that “everything in our power” would continue to be applied.
Aftermath
To date, 2,595 people have died in the twin quakes, and tens of thousands remain missing. While the focus of the nation is on humanitarian relief, Gil’s rescue underscores the resilience and coordination of rescue teams in the face of extreme adversity.
For further coverage, follow our ongoing coverage of recovery efforts and the human stories emerging from the disaster.BBC News
