SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A Puerto Rican gas worker who survived a deadly terrorist takeover at a natural gas plant in Algeria by hiding under a mattress has returned safely to the island, a government official said Tuesday.

Wilmer Lebron Ayala is one of seven U.S. citizens who escaped being killed by Islamic militants during a four-day battle last week. At least 37 hostages and 29 militants were killed, while five foreign workers are still missing, authorities said.