The extraction of three bodies found inside the Chichicazapan Caves in Cuetzalan is expected to be a complex and lengthy operation, potentially extending up to 21 hours, according to Bernabé López Santos, coordinator of the State Civil Protection.

Rescue teams face a grueling four-hour trek just to reach the victims, followed by an estimated 17-hour extraction process due to the cave’s extreme terrain. The challenges include slippery ground, narrow passages, and ongoing rains that raise the underground river’s water level, increasing risks for rescuers.

López explained that the first body was located about 400 meters from the cave entrance—already beyond the usual 200-meter tourist route—while the other three were found nearly two kilometers deep in a particularly inaccessible area.

The tragedy unfolded when a group of seven people entered the caves and were caught off guard by a sudden rise in the underground river caused by heavy rains. So far, three individuals have been rescued alive, while four lost their lives.

The priority remains the safety of the rescue teams, with operations proceeding cautiously and only when conditions allow. This incident highlights the dangers of natural spaces and the importance of coordinated emergency responses in remote areas.