CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela — 3 July 2026, 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 an operation that lasted more than 100 hours from the moment rescuers first detected signs that he was alive.
Rescue officials said Gil had been trapped beneath an estimated 140 tonnes of rubble after the building collapsed during the earthquakes on 24 June. Despite the length of time he spent underground, officials said he was in remarkably good condition.
A Costa Rican Red Cross medic said Gil appeared to have survived because he had been inside a small concrete security booth in the basement car park when the building came down. The booth apparently formed a protective pocket around him, shielding him from the debris that collapsed above and around him.
One rescuer said Gil told the team he had not even suffered a broken or torn fingernail. Another described the operation as one of the most technically complex rescue missions he had ever faced.
Rescue teams from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States were involved in the effort. During the operation, crews sent Gil water, an IV drip, a face mask and protective goggles through a narrow opening as they worked to reach him.
Officials said the rescue tunnel collapsed several times, underscoring the danger faced by both Gil and the rescue workers. A small camera lowered into the rubble eventually captured Gil looking toward rescuers, one eye reddened and his face covered by a mask to protect him from dust.
Despite the ordeal, rescuers said Gil remained alert and even asked for his preferred flavour of electrolyte drink. A Mexican Red Cross worker said Gil helped encourage the rescue team, telling them he was glad they had returned to stay with him.
The rescue came as Venezuela continued to search for survivors following the 24 June earthquakes, which have killed more than 2,000 people, injured thousands more and left many others missing.