Mexico City residents whose buildings survived the 1985 quake were wrong about long-term safety

MEXICO CITY - Even in one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the world, Peniley Ramirez never felt in danger inside her apartment. The seven-story building in the Roma neighborhood had survived the devastating Mexico City quake of 1985, which killed thousands.

"People said it was perfect during '85, there was no damage at all, so we always felt safe," she said.

But after Tuesday's earthquake, neighbors had to break down her door with a pickax to get her out.

The building was leaning and in danger of collapsing. Still, on Wednesday morning her husband and volunteers managed to retrieve paintings, toys, clothes and