Buried underground for over 67 hours, Tian Zeming's survival is a miracle. CCTV reporter recalls how the lucky man was saved by rescuers.
Around 6:40 a.m., 21-year-old Tian Zeming was pulled out from a tiny space between a tilted beam and a wall. Firefighters carefully put Tian on a stretcher before emergency workers rushed the young man away by ambulance as the race against time began.
"I found a bottle of water and a packet of snacks, so I survived. I heard the sound of the drill so I knew someone close by was trying to save me. I am so happy and grateful to the rescuers.", survivor,Tian Zeming said.
It took about 10 minutes for the ambulance to arrive at the Guangming New District Center Hospital where Tian was hustled into the emergency room. Li Yundong, a specialist in the hospital's radiology department did an initial assessment of the survivor.
Li said:"According to his CT film, the male patient is suffering from a left elbow fracture. But other than that, he's ok."
Tian was then transferred to an outpatient service laboratory center for more examinations before being moved to an operating room. After four hours of surgery, hospital director Wang Guangming came out and finalized the diagnosis for Tian.
"Tian is extremely weak and severely dehydrated right now. He is suffering from multiple fractures and soft tissue injuries, serious crushing sounds on his right calf and skin necrosis," said Wang Guangming, Director of Guangming New District Center Hospital.
The young survivor was transferred to an in-patient unit for additional treatment. Doctors say that Tian Zeming stands a good chance of recovering from his ordeal because he is young and strong.
"He's doing okay right now. I even exchanged a few words with him. He called my name and I asked him how he's doing,"
"He told me he's okay and expects furthur treatment," said Yuan Xutian, the family.
Guangming New District Hospital also set up a special medical center on a separate floor to give Tian the best care possible.
