THIS is the heartbreaking moment rescuers applaud as a survivor is pulled from the rubble after being trapped for five days.
An emergency response team has been working tirelessly to save as many lives as possible after a building collapsed in South Africa, killing 13 people.
The George building apartment block – which was still under construction – collapsed on May 8 while a team of 81 people were on site.
The survivor was identified locally as Gabriel Gambe, a 33-year-old tiler.
At least 39 workers are still missing and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde calls Gabriel’s survival a “miracle”.
In a video posted on X he said: “Everyone wants a miracle. Well, a miracle happened.”
Gabriel was discovered on what is believed to be the third floor of the building after rescuers removed another layer of debris.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock since the structure collapsed.
After hearing a sound coming from inside, they stopped the operation and began trying to communicate.
Colin Deiner, who is leading the rescue operation, said before Gabriel was rescued: “He indicated to us that he had heaviness in his legs and we are very concerned about that after so long.”
Video footage of the incredible moment the worker was lifted off a stretcher was shared online, with many praising the rescue team, calling them “heroes”.
In the clip, a team of around ten rescuers can be seen working through the wreckage before extracting Gabriel and everyone in the surrounding area starting to applaud.
Thirty people were rescued alive, while thirty-eight remained missing.
Two surgeons were on site to ensure that once Gabriel was out they could offer him the best treatment and a hole was cut in the rubble so a camera and light could pass through.
The rescue team managed to provide him with water while trying to figure out the rescue
Today’s rescue follows the release of 29-year-old Delvin Safels on Wednesday.
Delvin came to public attention after sending emotional notes to his parents and girlfriend, telling them how much he loved them and saying he didn’t think he would make it out alive.
Winde said a “difficult” identification process was underway and that police were using fingerprints, DNA tests and photographs.
Plans to build a 42-unit apartment block were approved by the city in July.
Thirty people were rescued alive, while thirty-eight remained missing.
Winde said a “difficult” identification process was underway and that police were using fingerprints, DNA tests and photographs.
Plans to build a 42-unit apartment block were approved by the city in July.
The reasons for the collapse are still unknown.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story