Tragedy struck as tourists visiting the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier in Iceland faced a harrowing ice cave collapse. One person lost their life, while two remain missing following the catastrophic incident. Read on to learn more about the unfolding events.
Details of the Incident
On a fateful Sunday afternoon, a group of approximately 25 foreign tourists, comprising various nationalities, ventured into the ice caves of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Suddenly, a section of the cave collapsed, striking four individuals with ice.
As a result of this unfortunate event, two people sustained serious injuries. Tragically, one of them succumbed to their injuries on the spot, while the other was airlifted to a hospital in the capital city, reportedly in stable condition.
Search and Rescue Operation
Following the collapse, a massive search and rescue operation was launched to locate the two missing individuals. Despite the challenging conditions, a large number of rescuers tirelessly worked throughout the afternoon and into the evening. However, due to safety concerns, the operation was temporarily halted at nightfall and is set to resume in the morning.
Challenges Faced
The rugged terrain and the necessity to manually cut through ice with chainsaws posed significant challenges for the rescue teams. Consequently, efforts to transport equipment and personnel to the glacier were hindered, prolonging the rescue operation.
Tourist Group’s Experience
Reports from local news outlets indicate that the group of tourists was on an organized ice cave tour, accompanied by a guide. Fortunately, most members of the group were outside the cave when the collapse occurred, averting potential further casualties.
Despite the tragic turn of events, the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier remains a popular destination for tourists seeking unique natural experiences in Iceland.
For more information on glacier safety and guidelines for visiting icy environments, visit Iceland’s official website.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.