The search for missing tourists after a deadly ice canyon collapse in Iceland was called off on Monday. Thankfully, it turns out there were no additional travelers trapped under the frigid debris, despite earlier fears.
The incident unfolded on the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, where rescue teams had been working tirelessly since Sunday. Initially, they managed to rescue one seriously injured tourist and recover the body of another unfortunate soul. But after some thorough detective work—sifting through the ice and double-checking the headcount—it was confirmed that all 23 members of the group had been accounted for.
The operation wasn’t without its challenges. With heavy machinery out of the question due to the delicate nature of the site, rescuers had to rely on chainsaws and ice picks to cut through the icy rubble. The situation unfolded in Vatnajokull National Park, a sprawling wilderness that’s home to Europe’s largest glacier. The Breidamerkurjokull glacier, famous for its stunning ice caves, is a highlight for winter tourists.
The tour company initially reported 25 people on the expedition, which included a scenic walk through the glacial caves. But after reviewing the situation, it was determined that only 23 people were actually on the trip, with 21 escaping unscathed. A close call, but a relief nonetheless.
