Rescue operation underway for trapped tourists at Breiðamerkurjökull glacier in Iceland

Emergency services have initiated a rescue operation after a group of tourists experienced an incident in an ice cave at Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, located west of Jökulsárlón. The event triggered the activation of a mass casualty response plan, prompting the deployment of two helicopters from the Icelandic Coast Guard alongside rescue teams and police.

The group consisted of 25 individuals, two of whom were successfully rescued, although they sustained serious injuries. Currently, search efforts are ongoing for two remaining tourists who are still trapped in the cave. Conditions on-site are reportedly extremely difficult.

An eyewitness, who had just exited the cave shortly before the collapse, described it as only 3 to 5 meters deep. The tourist noted that after hearing rumblings about ten minutes after their exit, they did not realize the severity of the situation until they reached their hotel and saw news reports about the incident.

Rescue operations are underway despite challenging environmental factors. Specially trained rescue personnel have been dispatched to the scene, and a medical helicopter is en route to transport the injured to Landspítali hospital. Authorities are working to evaluate the full scale of the incident, as uncertainties remain regarding the number of injured and their conditions.

The situation continues to evolve, with responders assessing possibilities to bring equipment onto the glacier to aid in the rescue. As search operations progress, officials underline the urgency and complexity of the circumstances they face in aiding those affected.