A climber required emergency airlifting to hospital after an underground zip-wire catastrophically snapped at a notorious slate mine attraction within Snowdonia National Park. Mountain rescue teams were urgently dispatched to the Croesor-Rhosyddin site in Eryri following the alarming incident, which saw the thrill-seeker plummet onto rocks below when the wire failed unexpectedly.
Dramatic Rescue at 'Chamber of Horrors' Site
The perilous incident occurred at approximately 3pm on Sunday as the climber embarked on crossing an underground lake. The old slate mine, which markets itself with extreme obstacles ominously named the 'chamber of horrors' and a 'bridge of death', allows visitors to traverse between twin quarries using a network of ropes, suspension bridges, zip wires, and inflatable boats.
Upon the zip-wire's failure, part of the climber's group immediately exited via the Croesor entrance to raise the alarm. This prompted a swift multi-agency response, with the Coastguard rescue helicopter racing to the scene equipped with a specialist stretcher.
Casualty's Own Escape and Airlift to Hospital
Remarkably, despite the fall, the injured climber managed to self-extricate from the cave system, emerging at the alternative Rhosydd entrance. From there, the individual was successfully airlifted by helicopter to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor for urgent medical treatment. Rescue organisations have confirmed the casualty is now receiving care.
The North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation (NWCRO) was alerted via North Wales Police, with the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team also deploying to the location. A NWCRO spokesperson detailed: 'We had a call from North Wales Police that the casualty had managed to make their own way out. They were now at the Rhosydd entrance to the mine but needed assistance to progress any further. The helicopter was duly dispatched to collect the casualty.'
Warnings Over 'Most Rescued' Underground Location
Rescue authorities have starkly labelled the Croesor-Rhosyddin complex as the 'most rescued underground location in North Wales'. They consistently advise that only climbers with significant experience and their own professional equipment should attempt the route. Standard guidance also dictates that adventurers must leave detailed plans and timings with a trusted third party in case emergency extraction becomes necessary.
While rescue call-outs to the site decreased last year, profound concerns persist within the climbing community that a major tragedy is imminent. One experienced climber from Llandudno voiced grave apprehension: 'This through-route in my opinion is a disaster waiting to happen. I'm certainly never in favour of access restrictions, but it's only going to be a matter of time before the call-out is to a body recovery.'
Rescue Teams Wish Speedy Recovery
Following the complex operation, a spokesperson for the South Snowdonia Search & Rescue Team stated: 'We were glad to be able to help out in this situation, big job. Wishing the casualty a speedy recovery.' The incident underscores the inherent dangers of such extreme underground attractions and the vital, coordinated work of volunteer rescue services across the Welsh mountains.
