Hernán Gil, a Venezuelan security guard, was miraculously rescued alive on July 2 after enduring eight days buried beneath the ruins of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in Catia La Mar. In a candid interview with TVV Network, he opened up about the grueling ordeal he faced, trapped nearly thirty feet below the surface.
On June 24, 2026, during his night shift in the underground parking lot's security booth, devastating earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck, causing the nine-story building above to collapse. This event marked one of the most significant rescues in the disaster that rocked northern Venezuela.
Faith Amidst the Rubble
"I was praying a lot, asking God, and mostly thinking about my family—my children, my wife. So many things ran through my mind, but I always stayed calm," recounted Gil to correspondent Neidy Freites.
His faith proved to be his main source of strength during the more than 100 hours before rescuers made contact. "I had faith, faith, that's what gave me the...", he said, unable to finish the sentence.
Not Alone in the Darkness
From the start, Gil was aware of the earthquake's occurrence. "I knew it was an earthquake from the very first moment," he revealed. He wasn't entirely alone initially; "There was another man with me, not a coworker but a resident. He was further away; I was inside the booth, and he was outside."
The small security booth withstood the collapse, creating an air pocket that kept Gil alive under more than 140 tons of debris.
The Moment of Hope
Allan Madrigal, a rescuer from the Costa Rican Red Cross, was the first to hear Gil's voice on Sunday, June 29, during a tense exchange: "Is there anyone alive?" / "Yes" / "Are you trapped?" / "No, I'm free."
From that point, rescuers provided water through a hose to prevent dehydration as they embarked on a nearly 72-hour-long rescue operation. Over 100 specialists from seven countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United States, took part in this complex mission.
Gratitude and Recovery
Gil expressed deep gratitude for those who risked their lives to save him: "God put them in my path. They played a huge part in all this. I wouldn't be here without them. I thank all of the rescuers because they supported me until the very end."
He was finally extracted on a stretcher at 9:20 a.m. on July 2 and taken to the Hospital de Clínicas Caracas. There, doctors diagnosed him with a dislocated left collarbone, left parietal subgaleal hematoma, minor atelectasis bands, and mild sinusitis.
His wife, Gusbimar González, had stayed vigilantly by the collapsed building since June 25. Gil had asked rescuers not to inform her of his survival, in case they couldn't get him out.
Concluding the interview, Gil sent a heartfelt message to families still searching for their loved ones, with UN estimates of up to 50,000 missing: "Keep searching, keep hoping that you can find your family members alive and well."
Key Insights on the Venezuelan Earthquake Rescue
How did Hernán Gil survive for eight days under the rubble?
Hernán Gil survived by remaining in an air pocket created by the security booth's structure, which withstood the collapse. He relied on his faith and received water through a hose from rescuers once contact was established.
What role did international rescuers play in the operation?
Over 100 specialists from countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United States participated in the rescue operation, which was one of the most complex of the emergency.
What were the medical consequences for Hernán Gil after his rescue?
After being rescued, Hernán Gil was diagnosed with a dislocated left collarbone, left parietal subgaleal hematoma, minor atelectasis bands, and mild sinusitis.