Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old speleologist from Brescia, was successfully rescued after being trapped for more than three days in a cave in Bergamo province. Piana suffered severe injuries in a fall on Saturday afternoon and was airlifted to Bergamo’s Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital following her extraction. She underwent surgery to stabilize multiple fractures and remains in intensive care, with her condition described as stable. “I am grateful to all the rescuers and medical staff. I’m safe now, and I just need rest to recover,” Piana said after regaining consciousness.
The dramatic rescue involved over 150 specialists who worked tirelessly for 80 hours to navigate a complex 4-kilometer underground route. Teams faced challenging conditions to stabilize and safely remove Piana from the cave, showcasing exceptional coordination and expertise. The operation, which concluded late Tuesday night, has been hailed as a testament to Italy’s advanced cave rescue capabilities.
Local officials and rescue organizations praised the teamwork displayed during the mission. “This was an extraordinary effort by everyone involved,” noted a representative from the Alpine Rescue Corps. The incident has also reignited discussions on safety protocols for extreme outdoor activities, as Piana’s ordeal highlights both the risks of exploration and the heroism of those who respond in times of need.
