Arizona residents returning home from Mexico City talk about the deadly earthquake

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - On Wednesday night, some Arizonans who experienced the deadly earthquake that struck near Mexico City returned home.

Long hugs filled with teary eyes: that was how Saul Hernandez was welcomed home by his mother, after flying into Phoenix from Mexico's capital. Hernandez was at the airport, when the 7.1 magnitude quake hit.

"At first, I thought i was really dizzy or something," recounted Hernandez. "And then, everything started moving, and this lady started having a panic attack next to me. And then, the lights went out, and we were shaking in the dark for a little while."

John DeYoung was also in the airport, when the quake hit.

"It was a little bit rattling, but after the fact, no one knew what to do," said DeYoung.

Anne Hand was out to lunch when everything started to shake. She said because of an earthquake drill they coincidentally had that same day, she believes people reacted smarter.

"Every year, on September 19, they do a drill in commemoration of the 1985 earthquake," said Hand.

Hand said the feeling was unmistakable, and something she hopes most people will not have to experience.

"It feels like when you're on a trampoline, and someone else is jumping very close to you," said Hand.

Hand said public transportation, along with the airport, opened up quickly after making sure there was no major damage.

Hernandez, DeYoung, and Hand said, however, they are thankful to be back in Arizona.

"Walking around the city, you saw some things that collapsed, or you saw awnings that were down," said Hand.

"It was really scary being there and having the airport shake, and having to go through all that panic," said Hernandez.

"I'm very happy to be home," said DeYoung. "I can't tell you how much."