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Girl, 8, Recovering After Swabian Alb Cave Fall

Local officials closed the UNESCO-listed cave area to assess safety around natural roof openings.

Overview

  • The child fell about three meters through a vegetation-covered hole Thursday at Bocksteinhöhle during a family hike in the Lonetal.
  • Firefighters, an emergency doctor and a rescue helicopter responded and flew her to a hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
  • The municipality of Öllingen said she is improving and is expected to leave the hospital Monday without lasting harm.
  • Rammingen’s mayor said the wider cave complex remains cordoned off until a safety review sets out possible protective steps.
  • Police said the cave roof contains natural rock holes and believe the girl likely slipped from inattention in an area that was not secured.