Search and rescue operation ongoing at Breiðamerkurjökull glacier following cave collapse in Iceland

A search and rescue operation is currently underway at Breiðamerkurjökull glacier following a cave collapse that has claimed the life of one tourist and left two others missing. Authorities had activated a mass casualty plan after the incident, which occurred in an ice cave at approximately 3 PM local time.

A group of 25 tourists was exploring the cave when the collapse happened. Two individuals were rescued from the debris; however, one was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving person was airlifted to a hospital in Reykjavik and is reported to be in stable condition.

Rescue operators have faced extremely difficult conditions due to darkness and challenging terrain, prompting them to pause the search for the missing individuals until daybreak. Local police confirmed that ground teams are working tirelessly, utilizing manual efforts for the rescue, as access to machinery is limited by the harsh winter environment.

A temporary emergency shelter has been set up at Hofgarður in Öræfi for those who were uninjured in the incident, offering psychological support to help them cope with the traumatic event. Rescuers include trained personnel experienced in glacier rescue operations, and they are currently assessing conditions to strategize further search efforts.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident but have noted that all individuals involved in the cave exploration were foreign tourists. The operation remains ongoing as teams strive to locate the two missing persons, with additional support dispatched from various emergency services in the region.