Milan – The complex mission to extract an injured cave explorer from a cavern in northern Italy made significant progress on Tuesday by successfully navigating a challenging section to reach the main tunnel from the lesser-known area of the Bueno Fonteno cave, according to rescue officials.

This operation, which has now extended into its fourth day, is anticipated to continue for at least an additional day and a half. Rescuers have been taking 90-minute intervals to assess the condition of 32-year-old Ottavia Piana, who sustained multiple injuries after falling approximately 5 meters (or 13 feet) while exploring the uncharted depths of the cave on Saturday.

This incident marked the second time in just over a year that Piana required rescue from the same location, situated near Lago d’Iseo in the northeastern region of Bergamo, as confirmed by rescue personnel.

Footage captured during the rescue effort depicted her being carefully secured in blankets and attached to a stretcher, as a group of helmeted rescuers maneuvered her through narrow, confined spaces. Medical professionals reported that she suffered fractures to her face, ribs, and knee during the fall.

Since the emergency call from her group on Saturday evening, more than 120 specialists have been working tirelessly around the clock to facilitate the rescue operation.