Miraculous rescue in Cali: man was rescued alive after being trapped under the rubble for several hours

Explaining Firefighters and rescue organizations focused their efforts on a collapsed structure, while family members waited for news about their loved ones. Follow us and read us on Google Discover Firefighters managed to rescue the man trapped among the debris alive. Photo: Screenshot. Video on YouTube. @noticiascaracol10.08.2026 17:31 Updated: 10.08.2026 17:31 The earthquake that shook Colombia this Monday left scenes of destruction in Cali, but also an image that restored hope amid the emergency. On 5th Avenue with 44th Street, rescue agencies managed to rescue a man who had been trapped after a house collapsed. The operation lasted several hours and required careful work by firefighters, risk management teams, and the Red Cross, who gradually removed the remains of the structure while moving toward areas where people might be trapped. READ ALSO Emergency teams worked for hours in the area. Photo: Screenshot. Video on YouTube. @noticiascaracol Amid this effort, authorities detected sounds coming from inside the building. According to the broadcast of 'Noticias Caracol', at least two people had shown signs of life, so the teams focused their efforts on that point to try to reach them. Therefore, rescuers also concentrated on keeping those still trapped safe. Through small spaces between the debris, they supplied water, serum, and medications, while cautiously making their way to open a path to them. READ ALSO The rescue generated moments of emotion among those present. Photo: Screenshot. Video on YouTube. @noticiascaracol After more than four hours of work, emergency teams managed to reach the man and rescue him alive. Immediately, the place filled with applause and emotion, as the rescuers completed the extraction and prepared him for medical attention. The man, approximately 35 years old, came out conscious and was taken in an ambulance. At that moment, his family members were able to approach and learn firsthand that he was safe, after hours of waiting for news. READ ALSO The rescue became a sign of hope after the earthquake. Photo: Screenshot. Video on YouTube. @noticiascaracol The case occurred while Cali was facing one of the most complex situations resulting from the quake. Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that 30 structures had collapsed and that in 10 of them, search and rescue operations were still active. Additionally, the city requested six additional medium-sized 'USAR' teams to reinforce the operations. Ultimately, this rescue reminded us that hope can also remain beneath the rubble. For families still waiting for news, each minute of search keeps the possibility open of hearing a voice again from beyond the ruins. KATHERINE BRAVO HERNÁNDEZ DIGITAL EDITORIAL EL TIEMPO More news on EL TIEMPO Follow all Colombia news on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO BULLETINS Register in our bulletins and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what truly matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join El Tiempo's channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content unlimitedly.