Smiling boy speaks of ordeal as rescue teams go home

AN eight-year-old boy whose beaming grin became an icon of hope in the search for Haiti earthquake survivors spoke of his incredible escape yesterday as British search teams prepared to return home.

Kiki Joachin, who emerged with his arms outstretched in delight after more than a week buried under the ruins of his family’s home, said he smiled because he was “free” and “alive”.

He was saved on Wednesday along with his sister, Sabrina, 10. But their rescue was tinged with sadness following the death of their siblings in the disaster – Yeye, nine, Titite, three, and 18-month-old Didine.