Rescue Teams Work to Free Man Trapped 8 Days After Venezuela Earthquake

Eight days after a devastating earthquake struck Venezuela, rescue teams from seven countries are working to free Hernán Gil, a security guard trapped under the rubble of a collapsed parking garage near the Galerías Playa Grande mall. Gil was found late last week but physical contact was only established in the past 24 hours. He remains in stable condition, receiving water and initial medical care while trapped about nine meters below the surface.

Gil survived inside a small concrete booth in the parking garage basement, which shielded him from being crushed by approximately 140 tons of concrete and debris. Despite the harsh conditions, rescuers report he is in good spirits. Ricardo Arias of the Costa Rican Red Cross told journalist Juan Camargo that Gil has no crushed nails and is doing well.

Around 350 rescuers from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States are involved in the slow and complex operation due to the instability of the rubble. Wagner Laibe, head of emergency response at the Costa Rican Red Cross, explained that reaching Gil to provide water took nearly three days. Overnight, teams managed to supply him with fluids via IV and protective gear to shield him from dust during drilling.

Marco Antonio Franco of the Mexican Red Cross said Gil maintains continuous communication with rescuers, remains cheerful, and even requests flavored drinks. The earthquake, which struck about a week ago, has killed approximately 2,300 people and left tens of thousands missing. Rescuers hope to extract Gil within the next 24 hours.