Jan 19, 2010
*Updated
A light amongst the darkness in Haiti. A woman [*Ginette Saintfort] trapped since the earthquake was found alive under the rubble. It took 3 hours to extricate her as she moaned in pain with her husband [*Roger Saintfort] standing by. When she was finally pulled out she said: ‘Thank you, God’ and then broke into song, with others singing along.
What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. She was able to stand and was placed in a vehicle and driven off (by her husband), sitting up, smiling, and waving.
British ITN reporter: Are you injured?
GINETTE:
Yes, my fingers are broken. I need water – it would be a great pleasure. I am thirsty and I can’t see.
She had been in complete darkness for 6 days.
To her husband:
Even if I die, I love you so much. Don’t forget it.
It’s not at all uncommon for people to survive for days only to die when someone finds them or after they are extricated – children especially.
Husband and others try to dig her out with their hands and a hand held saw.
LA Fire Fighters happen by and extricate her – it takes 3 hours.
Her first words: Thank you, God.
Her song: Don’t be afraid of death.
She always thought she would survive but wondered why this had happened to her.
ITN Reporter: Did you think you would live?
GINETTE: Yeah. Why not?
Ginette and Roger Saintfort
And the seat belt?
*I found several follow up video interviews with the couple from ITN but they are charging to watch it. I hope the money is gping to Haiti relief but that is their perogative. I saw a little clip that lost it’s audio but you can see the couple together and it’s clear why he never stopped looking for her. They’re like teenagers. A measure of joy amidst massive suffering.
