Iceland ice cave collapse: At least one person dead, two missing

At least one person has died and two others were seriously injured after an ice cave partially collapsed while a group of tourists visited the Breidamerkurjokull glacier in southern Iceland, a five-hour drive away from Reykjavik.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon (Aug25), resulting in the death of one individual at the scene. Another injured person was airlifted to a hospital in Reykjavik.

According to Sudurland police, a total of four people were trapped under the ice.

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"Two people have already been rescued from the ice and are seriously injured," the police said, adding that the search continues for the remaining two individuals still trapped in the cave.

Rescue efforts are being carried out by all available local teams, assisted by three helicopters from the Icelandic Coast Guard and the Danish Navy, according to local news site Visir.

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However, the rugged terrain has complicated the operation, preventing the use of large icebreaking machinery. Rescuers have had to rely on handheld saws and other tools to break through the ice.

Due to the dangerous conditions, the operation was paused after nightfall, with plans to resume efforts on Monday morning.

The collapse occurred around 3 pm, when four people out of a group of 25 tourists and their tour guide were struck by falling ice while exploring the cave near the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, a popular tourist destination.

Authorities have suggested that the collapse is unlikely to be related to a volcanic eruption that took place on Friday in southeast Iceland, approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the ice cave.

(With inputs from agencies)