Authorities have revealed that firefighters wearing hazardous-materials suits rescued a reclusive senior couple in Chicago trapped under a mound of trash and hoarded junk.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on Friday that retired teacher Thelma Gaston, 79, and her former zoologist husband, Jesse Gaston, 76, may have been trapped for as long as two weeks amid trash, moldy food and garbage so fetid the smell kept neighbors at a distance until one finally called authorities.

Reola Valentine, who alerted authorities Monday because she hadn't seen the Gastons for three weeks, said, "I can't believe how long we all waited before acting."

"We called the man 'Fred Sanford' because he was always collecting junk. He's a friendly guy, but he wouldn't let anyone in," said neighbor Andrea Adams.

The Sun-Times further said that trash filled every inch of the garage so when the door was opened there was an intact, perfectly formed wall of junk.

It was also reported that Jesse Gaston, who was taken to a hospital, remained unconscious, and relatives said his wife was unaware of her surroundings.

Hoarding is often prompted by emotional trauma, said Geralin Thomas, a chronic disorganization specialist who works with hoarders.

She said, "It's very complex, so many things can trigger it." (With Inputs from Agencies)