On Saturday evening, 124 hours after the earthquake, a woman was rescued in Yinghua town, Shifang City. 71 firefighters worked to save her for 31 hours without sleep.
71 firefighters worked to save her for 31 hours without sleep.
Li Qingsong was instrumental in having the woman saved. He was rescued after being trapped for 104 hours in a collapsed building. He told the rescuers that he had just spoken to one of his colleagues, Bian Gangfen, and that she was still buried deep inside.
The rescuers began an operation to rescue Bian Gangfen, even though they had just worked for more than 10 hours to save Li Qingsong.
At 2pm on Saturday, 111 hours after the earthquake, the rescuers found Bian Gangfen and spoke to her.
But the rescuers were forced to stop their operation. Three heavily reinforced concrete traverse girders blocked their way. Without appropriate tools, the rescuers could do nothing.
After drinking some water, Bian's condition seemed to improve. Then, a local company arrived with an air drill and cutting saw. The rescuers were excited.
To avoid dust affecting Bian's breathing, the rescuers used equipment that could spray water while they were cutting.
Three hours later, the rescuers dug a channel under the fallen building. A firefighter crept in with a camera, and while he comforted Bian, he examined the environment around her.
At 6:19 PM Saturday, 124 hours after the earthquake, Bian Gangfen was rescued. 71 firefighters had worked for 31 hours on the collapsed building. Many of them broke down into tears.
Ji Xin, Deputy Political Commissar of Zhengzhou Fire Brigade of Henan Province said "For us, we will endure pain and difficulties to save people's lives. If only one percent of hope exists, we will dig them out."
(CCTV May 19, 2008)