A tragic incident unfolded on August 25, 2024, when an ice cave collapsed on Iceland’s Breidamerkurjökull glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier in southeastern Iceland. The collapse occurred during a guided tour involving approximately 25 foreign tourists. As of the latest reports, one tourist has been confirmed dead, two are missing and believed to be trapped under the ice, and at least one person has been severely injured.Rescue efforts have been significantly hampered by the challenging terrain and hazardous conditions on the glacier. Sveinn Kristján Rúnarsson, a leading police officer, stated that rescuers are forced to work ‘more or less by hand’ as they cannot bring heavy equipment to the site. The search for the two missing individuals was suspended overnight due to darkness and dangerous conditions, with plans to resume in the morning.The injured tourist was airlifted to a hospital in Reykjavik and is reported to be in stable condition. Three helicopters remain on standby for further evacuations if needed. The cave, which collapsed, was reportedly only three to five meters deep, according to a tourist who had visited just minutes before the incident.This event has cast a spotlight on the potential dangers of glacier tourism in Iceland, a country known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. The Breidamerkurjökull glacier, near the popular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, is a frequent destination for ice caving and hiking tours. As investigations continue, questions may arise about the safety measures in place for such tourist activities in these volatile natural environments.
Key points
- An ice cave collapse on Iceland’s Breidamerkurjökull glacier has resulted in one confirmed death and two missing tourists.
- Rescue efforts are hampered by challenging terrain and hazardous conditions, with operations suspended overnight.
- The incident highlights potential risks associated with glacier tourism in Iceland.
Contradictions👾Some reports mention four people being hit by ice, while others state that four people were trapped under the ice.
There is also a discrepancy in the number of injured, with some sources reporting two serious injuries and others mentioning only one.
