Injured man trapped in inaccessible cave in Moravian karst

Rescue teams have been working through the night to evacuate an injured man from an inaccessible cave system in the Moravian Karst near Rudice in the Blansko region. Firefighters said late on Saturday that the man would likely be brought to the surface in the early hours of Sunday. He is trapped at a depth of about 50 to 70 metres and some 250 to 300 metres from the entrance. Around 70 to 80 firefighters and cave rescue specialists are on site, widening narrow passages so a stretcher can pass. The man, who suffered injuries to his lower limbs, is conscious and in stable condition. Specialists from the Fire Rescue Service and the Speleological Rescue Service of the Czech Speleological Society are assisting in the final phase of the operation.