Rescue teams on Thursday (July 2) rescued Hernan Alberto Gil, who had been trapped in the Venezuelan mall of Galerias Playa Grande for over a week.

Alberto Gil, 44, had been trapped some nine metres (29 feet) underground, according to the Costa Rican Red Cross.

The Costa Rican Red Cross said the rescue operation was so risky that teams from around the world, including Mexico, Portugal, El Salvador, Spain and the U.S., joined efforts to free the guard without injuring him.

The rescue was underway for three days.

Last week's quakes have killed 2,295, according to government figures published on Wednesday (July 1).

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

RESCUERS CARRYING FREED GUARD HERNAN ALBERTO GIL ON STRETCHER FROM MALL WHERE HE HAD BEEN TRAPPED

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: CATIA LA MAR, LA GUAIRA STATE, VENEZUELA (JULY 2, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. RESCUE TEAM CARRYING HERNAN ALBERTO GIL OUT OF BUILDING ON STRETCHER / CROWD APPLAUDING