Kevin Montilla's home was also in the building. He was away at work, but his wife Luzmary and 16-year-old daughter Jhoerliyzmar were at home when the earthquake struck.
"The rescue operation started very late and it's been slow. Initially it was only people who live in the community who came in to help. The police just came to check, but they didn't help. The government's response has been frustrating and impotent," the 34-year-old says.
When we visited the site, rescue teams from Venezuela and Colombia were conducting operations. Two diggers, as well as a crane that was lifting up concrete slabs was also there.
But the families waiting by the roadside said precious days had been wasted before this effort started.
"I have not lost hope but I feel devastated. Nature's law is that a father should die before his son. Imagine if your son dies suddenly," says Miguel.
The building was one of several in a government owned complex. This factor, as well as the structure's prominent location, is perhaps what has drawn the attention of the rescue teams to it.
Because there are parts of La Guaira state where search teams have so far not even reached.
We met Deilisbeth Herreira at a hospital in La Guaira town where she was going through the list of injured and dead. She's looking for her daughters – Greydelys, 12 and Graybelys, 13.
A single parent, Deilisbeth was away at work when the earthquake struck.
She thinks it's likely the girls would have been at home, but she's also searching everywhere, just in case they were outdoors and have survived.
"I have help from no one. No machines or rescuers have been sent to dig through the rubble. It's like you've been left on your own to find your loved ones," she says, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"My daughters were quiet, studious girls. I just want them back at any cost," she adds.
Everywhere we went, residents told us they felt let down by the state.
On a road that hugs the coastline, two high-rise apartment blocks – part of Bello Horizonte complex – have collapsed into a heap. We saw families and volunteers, wearing masks and rubber gloves, trying to dig through the rubble with spades and crowbars.
