The situation in the Chichicazapa Cave, located in Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, has worsened as rescue teams confirmed that two of the four people trapped inside have been found dead.

Francisco Sánchez González, Puebla’s Secretary of Public Security, reported that the bodies were discovered during ongoing search operations carried out by Civil Protection, firefighters, state police, and rescue units. These efforts continue as two individuals remain missing within the cave system.

The incident unfolded after a family became trapped due to a sudden rise in water levels caused by heavy rains in the mountainous region. Initially, two people were rescued alive, but the others were left stranded and unreachable inside the caves.

As of today, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the preliminary toll stands at two survivors, two confirmed fatalities, and two still missing. Authorities maintain a continuous operation to locate the remaining victims.

Rescue teams face significant challenges due to the cave’s flooded conditions, rising water levels, and difficult terrain, forcing them to proceed with strict safety protocols.

Civil Protection has reiterated its warning to the public to avoid entering caves, rivers, and other bodies of water during the rainy season, emphasizing the high risk posed by sudden floods to visitors and hikers.

This tragic event highlights the importance of respecting natural hazards, especially in vulnerable areas like Puebla’s mountainous zones, where community safety depends on timely warnings and responsible behavior.