Story By:  Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

These images show the loving mother who pleaded for rescuers to let her die in her daughter’s arms after the youngster – also pictured – was killed in the earthquake which devastated Albania.

Diena Mecaj Karanxhaj, 30, was reportedly found in the rubble in the city of Durres in Albania after a six-storey building collapsed in the 26th November earthquake.

Karanxhaj was reportedly found with the body of her dead daughter Esiel, 9, who had passed away 12 hours earlier.

She reportedly pleaded with rescuers, saying: “Don’t take me out, I want to die in my daughter’s arms.”

Local media report that Karanxhaj died of a haemorrhage on the way to the hospital. The mother’s husband Dorian Karanxhaj died of a heart attack in 2015 and she had devoted her life to raising their young daughter alone.

She posted photos of him with the caption: “Father’s day. How I wish you were here with our beloved Esiel, who misses you so much. Many people are called “dad” but you were one of the few who really deserved to be called dad. Good, dear, sweet, you had a very big heart. I will love you forever.”

According to local media, both mother and daughter will be buried in bridal gowns.

Amanda Doska, the owner of a local shop posted pictures of the mother and daughter on her Instagram account with the caption: “Many times I shed tears of joy and excitement when we followed girls in bridal gowns. I never thought I could shed tears of pain like today for the beautiful Diena and Esiel.”

At least 26 people have died as a result of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Albania.

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