Czech firefighters free man trapped in Moravian cave in dramatic rescue

Rescue teams in the Moravian Karst successfully freed a man trapped in a cave near Rudice early Sunday morning, concluding a more than 21-hour operation that tested technical skills and endurance. The man, injured in his lower body, was about 50–70 meters below the surface and roughly 250–300 meters from the cave entrance.

The operation required careful coordination and specialized techniques to navigate narrow passages and safely transport the injured man to the surface. Authorities said the rescue was “unique and exceptionally demanding,” highlighting the complexity of the Czech Republic’s cave systems.

Three speleologists initially entered the cave on Saturday to explore and identify accessible routes. One became trapped and injured, prompting a colleague to stay with him while the third went for help. By the time rescue crews arrived, around 70–80 personnel, including firefighters and speleological specialists from across the country, were on site.

“The hardest part was widening the passages, some of which barely fit a single person,” said Štěpán Komosný, spokesperson for the South Moravian Fire Rescue Service. Teams had to perform precise mechanical and controlled blasting techniques, using about 100 small charges to loosen rock sections and clear ten particularly narrow areas.

The first phase of the rescue involved creating access routes to reach the man safely. Work began in the afternoon and continued through the night.

Around 30 rescuers entered the cave around 3:30 a.m. for the extraction itself, which took approximately five hours due to the tight underground conditions. A specially trained cave medic accompanied the injured man, ensuring he received care throughout the journey.

Outside, crews set up heated tents and lighting to maintain safety in the freezing terrain. Helicopters and additional support units were on standby, including a chemical lab from Tišnov to provide measurement equipment and calibrations for the complex environment underground.

Once on the surface, the man was immediately handed over to the South Moravian Emergency Medical Service and transported to Brno University Hospital for further care. Officials confirmed he remained in stable condition and responsive throughout the rescue, cooperating with rescuers despite the extreme circumstances.

“The entire operation was a testament to the professionalism and endurance of our teams,” Komosný said. “It is unprecedented in Czech conditions and required exceptional coordination of multiple disciplines.”

Cave rescues of this scale are rare worldwide, reflecting both the specialized training required and the hazards inherent in karst systems. Similar operations in Europe often involve multinational teams and extended timelines, underscoring the complexity of underground emergency interventions.

The Rudice system, part of the Moravian Karst, is typically inaccessible and has long been recognized for its intricate passages and vertical shafts, which complicate emergency response. Authorities have praised the decision of the third speleologist to call for help quickly, which allowed the rescue to begin before conditions worsened.

Experts advise that even experienced explorers should never venture into remote cave systems alone and ensure reliable communication and emergency plans are in place.