Powerful Earthquake Shatters the City… See More

September 19, 2017 Earthquake | Mexico City Building Nearly Collapses

September 19, 2017, will remain etched in the collective memory of Mexicans as one of the most tragic and emotional days of recent decades. Exactly 32 years after the devastating 1985 earthquake, Mexico City trembled once again—this time with a magnitude 7.1 quake that caused d.e.a.t.h.s, destruction, and a wave of national solidarity.

One of the most dramatic moments of that day was the partial collapse of several buildings across different parts of the city, including one located in the Roma Sur neighborhood, which came close to collapsing entirely before the terrified eyes of the citizens.

Let me know if you need a more formal version or a summarized translation.

The Building on the Brink of Collapse

The structure, a six-story office building located on Álvaro Obregón Street, began to creak violently just seconds after the earthquake began. Witnesses reported that the walls cracked immediately, and concrete began to fall as if it were a controlled demolition.

“The glass was exploding, and the building was swaying from side to side like it was made of paper. I thought we wouldn’t make it out alive,” said a survivor who managed to evacuate via the stairs moments before the partial collapse.

Minutes later, the building gave way at its central structure, becoming partially collapsed. Many of the occupants were trapped under the rubble.

Rescue and Chaos

Would you like me to continue translating the next part about the rescue efforts?

The response of the emergency teams was immediate.
Members of the Navy, the Mexican Army, Civil Protection, and hundreds of volunteers arrived at the site to try to rescue the people trapped inside.

For several days, rescue workers toiled without rest, removing debris with shovels, pickaxes, and even with their bare hands—amid absolute silence and the hope of finding survivors. Several people were rescued alive, although, sadly, l.i.f.e.l.e.s.s b.o.d.i.e.s were also recovered.