Tragedy struck at the Breidamerkurjokull glacier in southern Iceland as an ice cave partially collapsed, resulting in the death of one person and leaving two others missing. The incident occurred while a group of approximately 25 foreign tourists from various nationalities were exploring the ice caves on Sunday afternoon.
Local police were alerted to the situation just before 3 p.m. when four individuals were struck by falling ice. Two of the tourists sustained serious injuries, with one tragically succumbing to their injuries at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a hospital in the capital and is reportedly in stable condition.
A large-scale rescue operation was promptly launched, with numerous responders tirelessly searching for the two missing individuals throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Due to the hazardous conditions, the operation was temporarily halted after nightfall but is scheduled to resume in the morning.
Efforts to access the glacier proved challenging, as the rugged terrain impeded the transportation of equipment and personnel. Moreover, the process of cutting through the ice was predominantly carried out manually using chain saws.
Reports indicate that the group was part of an organized ice cave tour and had a guide accompanying them, although most individuals were outside the cave when the collapse occurred. The ice cave, a popular tourist attraction, is frequented by visitors seeking to explore its unique beauty.
Authorities have clarified that the collapse was likely unrelated to a recent volcanic eruption in southeast Iceland, which took place approximately 300 kilometers away from the glacier. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as emergency responders continue their search for the missing individuals.
