In the Rubble of a Fallen Building, He Rescued a 2-Year-Old

Construction worker Miguel Tigsilema helped rescue a two-year-old boy from the rubble of a collapsed Brooklyn building, returning to search after escaping the collapse himself. His actions helped reunite the child with his injured mother and brother, while eight people, including three construction workers, died.

The boy, Joseph, had been sitting in his family’s third-floor apartment and was found with only minor scratches. Workers also pulled out his mother, Johana, who had broken ribs and a broken clavicle, and his nine-year-old brother, Pablo, who underwent skull surgery; both remain in hospital. Tigsilema and Joseph’s father later spoke by video call and hope to meet in person.