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)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling days-long operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after b...
Key takeaway Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The dramatic rescue of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores in Venezuela has captivated audiences worldwide, and for San Antonio residents, it serves as a poignant reminder of the city's own experiences with disaster response. As a community that has faced its share of floods and severe weather events, San Antonians understand the complexities and challenges of search and rescue operations. The successful extraction of Gil Flores, who was trapped for eight days, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of international rescue teams, including those from the United States. This story also highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts, which are crucial in saving lives during disasters. As San Antonio continues to grow and develop, it is essential for local authorities to prioritize disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that the city is equipped to handle emergencies with the same level of professionalism and care demonstrated by the teams that rescued Gil Flores.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 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 days-long operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after b...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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