“Florida Hog Hunters and Dog Perish in Tragic Texas Tank Accident”

Three hog hunters from Florida tragically died in an underground tank filled with sewer gas in Texas. The incident occurred when one of the hunters tried to rescue their dog after it fell into the hole, followed by the other two attempting to save them. The bodies of the hunters, along with the dog, were recovered from the tank. The tank contained hydrogen sulfide gas, which is believed to have overcome the hunters and caused them to sink to the bottom. The victims have been identified as Delvys Garcia, Denise Martinez, and Noel Vigil-Benitez, all from Florida. https://www.wkyt.com reported

In Austin, Texas, a tragic incident occurred where three hog hunters from Florida lost their lives in a subterranean tank that was filled with toxic sewer gas. The unfortunate sequence of events unfolded when one of the hunters attempted to rescue their dog after it fell into the hole. In a selfless act, the other two hunters jumped in to save their companions. The bodies of the two men, one woman, and the dog were later recovered from the tank, which was located in a cornfield on the outskirts of Austin.

Sheriff Maurice Cook of Bastrop County revealed that the tank, known as a cistern, had dimensions of approximately 4 feet wide and contained 8 feet of water. Tragically, it also contained hydrogen sulfide gas, a highly dangerous and lethal substance. It appears that the incident unfolded during the early hours of Wednesday when one of the hunters bravely descended into the cistern to rescue their bloodhound. Subsequently, the clothing and boots of the other two hunters were discovered near the opening of the hole, indicating that they too entered the cistern in an attempt to save their companions.

According to Sheriff Cook, it is believed that the hunters succumbed to the deadly effects of the hydrogen sulfide gas and tragically sank to the bottom of the tank. The absence of any cover over the hole, which was merely an open void in the middle of a cornfield, contributed to the devastating outcome. The victims have been identified as Delvys Garcia (37), Denise Martinez (26), and Noel Vigil-Benitez (45), all of whom hailed from Florida.

Sheriff Cook emphasized that the cistern contained a significant concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, posing a grave risk to anyone exposed to it. The stagnant water and decomposition of other animals that had previously perished within the cistern could have contributed to the deadly levels of gas. Notably, a fourth member of the hunting party, a Texan resident, did not enter the tank and alerted the authorities after the dog escaped from their vehicle. The dog was eventually tracked using a device attached to its collar.

Efforts to retrieve the bodies were hindered due to concerns from dive teams regarding the toxic gas and the structural integrity of the cistern walls. The tank emitted strong fumes, reminiscent of those found in a septic tank, further complicating the recovery process..