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CRUSHED ICE
Vast deadly ice cave ‘at the end of the world’ COLLAPSES 4yrs after infamous landmark was shut off due to horror crush
Experts and mountain enthusiasts had long warned about the cave’s fragile structure
A DANGEROUS ice cave in Argentina dubbed "the End of the World" for its closeness to the South Pole has collapsed four years after a tourist's horror death.
The Jimbo Cave, located in Ushuaia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park—the southernmost tip of South America — gave way in recent days.
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National Park authorities had banned entry to the cave since 2021 due to safety concerns.
Their warnings intensified after a tragic incident in 2022 saw a large piece of ice fall from the cave’s ceiling, killing a Brazilian tourist.
Heartbreaking footage now reveals what remains of the treacherous cave: where a massive circular hole once stood, there is now only rubble.
Locals and tourists alike have reacted with shock as the unique formation was a magnet for adventurers and visitors from across the globe.
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But experts and mountain enthusiasts had long warned about the cave’s fragile structure, fearing its collapse was only a matter of time.
Local media confirmed the cave’s collapse in the early hours of Sunday.
Cordoba native Mica Scapino shared before-and-after photos of the site, writing on X: “Jimbo Cave was an ice formation in Ushuaia that created a very nice natural tunnel, and a few hours ago it finally collapsed (how lucky were those who were able to see it in person).”
In 2021, a Brazilian tourist was killed after being hit by a huge block of ice as he neared the mouth of the frozen cave.
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The man died instantly when the chunk of ice plummeted down on him in a tragedy filmed by one of his fellow hikers.
It allegedly came after the group of hikers ignored signs warning visitors they must stay away from the off-limits area for their own safety.
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Local media published footage of the unnamed victim walking towards the mouth of the cave, an opening under a glacier, as one of his companions warned him to take care.
In the clip, some members of the group appeared to stop and heed his warning momentarily before moving forward again.
But one of the members at the front appeared to pay little attention and carried on walking towards the cave while recording it on his mobile phone.
The giant chunk of ice that fell on him looked at least double his size.
The man, who had been filming their approach to the cave, immediately dropped his camera as he warned colleagues to turn back and avoid any more falling blocks of ice.
Ice caves can be dangerous for several reasons, primarily due to their unstable and dynamic nature.
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They are formed from melting and shifting ice, making their structures quite fragile.
A collapse can happen suddenly, especially during warmer weather.
Pieces of ice or rock can also detach from the ceiling or walls, posing a serious risk to anyone inside or near it.
Even small temperature changes can weaken the cave’s structure.
Direct sunlight or warmer conditions can increase the risk of collapse.
But rapid refreezing can also cause cracks to form, further destabilising the structure.
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To minimise risks, visitors should always go with an experienced guide and avoid entering during warm weather or after heavy rain.
They should also wear proper gear, including helmets, crampons, and layered clothing.
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