Tragic Collapse Claims Life of 14-Year-Old in Córdoba Home: Mother Shares Heartbreaking Moments
Noemí Farnochi is the mother of a 14-year-old boy who died when their house collapsed during a storm in Villa Inés, Córdoba. Just before the tragedy, he told her, “I can’t breathe, mom,” as he was trapped under debris.
Noemí is currently at the Hospital de Niños with her other children, aged 2 and 10, who were rescued in time. She explained that the house had a section with a heavy roof and a section with sheet metal, which created a lot of heat. To stay cool, her children moved their mattresses to the kitchen to watch television.
During the storm, Noemí heard a loud noise and initially thought a wall had fallen. She soon realized that she and her eldest child were buried under rubble. She recounted her son’s pleas for help: “He told me ‘I can’t breathe, mom’ and asked me to open the door, but I couldn’t.”
Neighbors heard the commotion and rushed to help. They had to break down the door to get to them. They then took her children to the doctor. Afterward, Noemí was taken to Hospital San Roque.
What were the immediate challenges faced by Noemí Farnochi and her family after the storm at Villa Inés?
Tragedy Strikes Villa Inés: An Interview with Noemí Farnochi
Interviewer: Thank you for speaking with us today, Noemí. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Can you share with us what happened during that storm and how you felt in those moments?
Noemí Farnochi: It was a terrible night. I remember hearing a loud noise, and initially, I thought it was just a wall that had come down. But then, everything happened so fast. My 14-year-old son, who was trapped under the rubble, cried out to me, “I can’t breathe, mom.” I was paralyzed, trying to comprehend what was happening. I wanted to help him, but I was trapped myself.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly heartbreaking. What was going through your mind when you realized the severity of the situation?
Noemí: My heart sank. I felt completely hopeless. I could hear him struggling and begging me to open the door, but I couldn’t move. I kept thinking about how I had to save him, but there was nothing I could do. I cannot express the pain of knowing I could not free him.
Interviewer: You mentioned that neighbors came to your aid. How did they manage to reach you and your children?
Noemí: They heard the commotion and rushed to help. They had to break down the door to reach us, which was incredible because I think that quick action saved my other children. They took my two younger ones to the hospital while I remained trapped under the debris until I was finally rescued.
Interviewer: Your recent history has been filled with challenges. Can you tell us about the circumstances that led to your living situation?
Noemí: Yes. My husband was tragically killed in a shooting incident just a few months ago in July. Since then, my children and I have been living in my mother-in-law’s house. It has been tough. I am grateful for my sisters-in-law, who have been supporting me, especially with organizing the burial for my son.
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to see your strength in such difficult times. How are your younger children doing now?
Noemí: My 2-year-old son has a fractured femur, but he is stable and expected to be discharged soon. My 10-year-old son is in therapy and is stable, showing good improvement. I requested to leave the hospital to be with them because I want to be there for them during this hard time.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Noemí. Your courage in the face of such adversity speaks volumes. Is there anything you would like to say to those who may want to help your family?
Noemí: Just that I appreciate any support. It’s been overwhelming, but I truly believe that with the help of my family and friends, we will get through this. Thank you for listening to our story. It’s essential for people to know what happened.
This loss adds to Noemí’s pain; her husband was killed in a shooting incident in July 2023. Since then, she has lived with her children in her mother-in-law’s house. She said, “Thank God my sisters-in-law are helping me with everything, they are organizing the burial. We could escape, but he could not,” she lamented.
Earlier, she requested to leave the hospital to be with her two younger children. Her 2-year-old son has a femur fracture and is stable. He is expected to be discharged soon. Her 10-year-old son will remain in therapy but is in stable condition and showing good improvement.