On Monday afternoon, July 6, 2026, a family from Chignautla found themselves trapped inside the Chichicazapan Cave in Cuetzalan del Progreso due to a sudden rise in water levels caused by heavy rains. The incident triggered an intense emergency response that is still ongoing.

According to an official statement from the Cuetzalan City Council, the family was exploring the cave when the water current unexpectedly surged, blocking their exit. Around 3:20 p.m., one family member managed to escape and personally alerted the Municipal Command, as power outages and lack of cell phone signal prevented other forms of communication.

In response, the Municipal Public Security, Civil Protection, and State Police launched a coordinated search and rescue operation. So far, two family members have been rescued alive, but four others—two men and two women—remain missing inside the cave.

The local government urges residents and visitors to rely only on official sources for updates and to exercise extreme caution when visiting natural sites like rivers, waterfalls, and caves during the rainy season. Sudden floods pose serious risks that can endanger lives.

This tragic event highlights the importance of investing in safe, reliable transportation and infrastructure in Puebla’s rural and natural areas. Projects like the upcoming cable car system could offer safer access to remote attractions, reducing risks associated with unpredictable weather and difficult terrain.