Ketchup & Courage: 12‑Year‑Old Survives 32‑Hour Venezuelan Quake Rescue

Sun Sep 06 2026 12:06:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 12‑year‑old in Venezuela survived 32 hours under rubble, helped by a volunteer and her own ketchup. A hero’s story‑of‑hope that went viral online.

When two huge earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, a 12‑year‑old girl, Fabiana, was trapped beneath ruins of a ten‑storey building in Caraballeda. She stayed hidden for 32 hours, clutching ketchup and cheese as a food source, while her mother Karina ran desperately to get help. A volunteer named Viktor finally reached her, prompting a frantic rescue that saved her life. Though the quake killed more than 3,000 people, Fabiana survived with only minor injuries and has since reunited with her family. The story highlighted the power of hope, community teamwork, and social‑media videos in modern rescue operations.

When the Ground Trembled

On June 24, 2026, two super‑strong earthquakes slammed Venezuela. The second quake, a terrifying 7.5 magnitude, crumbled a ten‑storey block in Caraballeda, leaving‑shattered walls and a silent rubble field.

Caught Under the Rubble

Fabiana, only 12, was inside. When the walls collapsed, she fell to the ground, buried head‑to‑foot. The ceiling was almost touching her face, and the darkness seemed endless. Even though she didn’t hear anyone, a strange calm kept her breathing.

Ketchup, Cheese & the Internet

While turned around under the stone, Fabiana found a small bottle of ketchup and a handful of grated cheese—tiny snacks that kept her conscious. She also located her phone and, even with no signal, recorded a video: “I’m stuck, please help!” This clip later went viral in Venezuela, turning the rescue into a national story.

The Heroic Volunteer

A volunteer named Viktor pressed on the debris, shouting for Fabiana. Finally, she heard the call and replied. When he relayed this to Karina, who had called out for her daughter, rescue crews started arriving with tools, torches, and sheer determination.

Tight‑Knitting Rescue

Gradually, a small tunnel was carved through the rubble. At 02:00 local time—exactly 32 hours after the quakes—a rescue team pulled Fabiana out. She collapsed into her mother’s arms, grinning in relief like a movie hero.

Aftermath and Hope

Of the ~50 residents in the building, only three survived. The earthquake claimed over 3,342 lives, with thousands still missing. Fabiana suffered just a fractured left foot and a few bruises—an astonishing survival.

Now staying with her grandmother, Fabiana voiced gratitude: “My daughter is alive.” Karina added, “We’ll recover slowly, but we’ll move on.” Their story reminds us that even in disaster, hope can push us forward.