Relatives of the tourists who disappeared in the Chichicazapa Cave in Cuetzalan, Puebla, are pleading with authorities not to halt the extraction of the victims’ bodies.

The uncle of one of the deceased shared with the media that officials had raised hopes about recovering the three remaining bodies. However, due to bad weather and the extreme risks faced by rescue teams, the recovery operations were suspended indefinitely.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear that our loved ones might stay there. They gave us hope they would return the bodies, but now they say the work is suspended. They told us they will resume when it’s safe to extract them,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the families, he asked authorities to keep them informed throughout the process. He also expressed gratitude toward the rescuers and local community members who supported the search and provided food.

The family member, who confirmed his relation as an uncle to one of the victims, denounced that their loved ones were misled. He explained that the tourists were promised a safe and enjoyable experience in the cave, but the guide’s negligence put them in danger. When rain began, instead of leading them out, the guide urged them to enter deeper into the cave.

“It’s unacceptable that they were made to believe they would have an adventure, but instead were led to a slaughterhouse. It was already raining, and then they were told to go inside where it supposedly wouldn’t rain, fully aware of the risks,” he said.

On the other side, the State Civil Protection Coordination confirmed the suspension of the extraction of the three bodies. In an official statement, they confirmed the victims have been located more than two kilometers inside the cave, but the difficult terrain and extreme danger prevent their removal.

The rising water levels inside the cave have forced the closure of galleries and temporary siphons, making visibility poor and increasing the risk of rescuers becoming trapped.

The agency emphasized that the suspension is not due to a lack of human, technical, or material resources, but a careful risk assessment aimed at preserving the lives of rescue personnel.

Currently, the three bodies remain secured at a point inside the cave to prevent them from being swept away by the currents.

This situation highlights the challenges of rescue operations in natural environments and the importance of prioritizing safety, even as families await closure.