Trapped tourists wade out of Kentucky cave
Authorities say all 19 people who were trapped in a Kentucky cave have waded through neck-deep water to get out.
Hart County Emergency Management Director Kerry McDaniel says the group of Clemson University students walked out of the cave without assistance Thursday after being trapped by rising water.
McDaniel says there is only one way in and out of the Hidden River Cave in south-central Kentucky.
Earlier in the day, two tour groups exploring a Kentucky cave were trapped by rising water, leaving 19 people missing -- including two police officers who tried to reach them, authorities said.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The tourists and officers were trapped in Hidden River Cave in south-central Kentucky.
Rescue teams, including members of a dive squad, had reached the cave but had not yet ventured inside, Horse Cave Fire Chief Donnie Parker said. He said the tour groups had been inside for several hours and authorities weren't sure where they were in the cave.
"We don't have any communications with them, whatsoever," he said.
Asked about the rescue efforts, he said: "It's going to be pretty difficult."
Parker said two local police officers who tried to rescue the tourists were among those still inside. He said four people were able to escape but didn't have details about how they got out.
The chief said the rising water was caused by heavy rains in the area Thursday afternoon.