Rescuers in Italy working to free cave explorer trapped underground
A major rescue operation is underway northeast of the Italian city of Bergamo to free a woman considered an expert spelunker who was trapped while exploring a cave with eight others
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A major rescue operation was underway Monday northeast of the Italian city of Bergamo to free a woman considered an expert spelunker who was trapped while exploring a cave with eight others.
Ottavia Piana is blocked in a deep inside the Bueno Fonteno cave, where the temperatures were ranging from 7 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius (44-46 degrees Fahrenheit) in high humidity.
Piana was injured after falling some 5 meters (16 feet) Saturday evening during an expedition to map a kilometer (half a mile) of an uncharted branch of the cave, but rescuers said she is alert and responsive.
Rescuers reached her late Sunday and have used small explosives in an attempt to breach the last 100 meters (yards) to get to her.
A spokesman for rescue operation, Mauro Guiducci, said it was impossible to foresee how long it would take to free Piana.
“One thing is certain, these kinds of operations are very long,’’ Guiducci said, adding that a team of 20 technicians were operating inside the cave and dozens more were assisting above ground.