Trapped quake victim sends text message

An earthquake survivor trapped in a collapsed hotel in western Indonesia sent a text message saying he and some others were alive, triggering a frantic rescue operation, but hopes faded today as sniffer dogs failed to detect life.

Padang’s police chief said voices and claps were heard from survivors buried in the Ambacang Hotel since Wednesday’s 7.6-magnitude quake, which killed at least 715 people. He said one survivor – who had been staying in Room 338 – sent a text message to relatives Friday, saying he and some others were still alive.