local
Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes
By Fernanda Pesce And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.Hernán Alberto Gil Flores emerged to safety atop a stre...
Key takeaway Rescuers, who initially made contact with him over the weekend, worked for more than 100 hours to free him — navigating a highly unstable structure, torrential rain and persistent aftershocks to tunnel down to the survivor.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The dramatic rescue of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores in Venezuela has captivated audiences worldwide, and here in Alamo Heights , it's a poignant reminder of the strong bonds between our community and international rescue efforts. The specialized teams from the United States that participated in the operation are a testament to the country's commitment to global disaster response. As our own city's emergency responders work to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, the successful extraction of Gil Flores after eight days trapped under rubble serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination and expertise. The fact that teams from multiple countries, including the United States, came together to navigate the treacherous conditions and bring Gil Flores to safety is a heartening display of global cooperation in the face of tragedy. This rescue operation will undoubtedly be studied by emergency responders in our own community, informing their approaches to search and rescue operations in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.Hernán Alberto Gil Flores emerged to safety atop a stre...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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