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 affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
The dramatic rescue of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores in Venezuela has resonated with the San Antonio community, where many residents have ties to the affected region. As news of the twin earthquakes spread, local organizations and businesses with connections to Venezuela likely sprang into action, offering support and aid to those impacted. The successful rescue operation, which involved international cooperation and expertise, may also have implications for local emergency response efforts in Terrell Hills and the broader Bexar County area. The use of specialized equipment, such as telescopic cameras, and the coordination of urban search and rescue teams may inform future disaster response strategies in the region. Furthermore, the story of Gil Flores' survival against the odds may inspire local residents to review their own emergency preparedness plans and consider ways to support international disaster relief efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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 affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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