local
Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes
By Fernanda Pesce and Juan Pablo Arraez | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· 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 aft...
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 Trophy Club
The remarkable rescue of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores in Venezuela has captivated the world, and here in Trophy Club , it serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness of emergency responders. While the disaster unfolded thousands of miles away, the coordinated effort of international rescue teams, including those from the United States, is a testament to the global community's ability to come together in times of crisis. As our own community in Denton County continues to grow and develop, it's crucial that we prioritize emergency preparedness and support our local first responders, who work tirelessly to keep us safe. The successful rescue operation in Venezuela demonstrates the importance of specialized training and equipment, and it's worth considering how our own local resources and infrastructure would respond in the face of a similar disaster.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
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 aft...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce and Juan Pablo Arraez | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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