The ‘fragile’ landmark loved by tourists collapsed after years of concerns | World | News

The Jimbo Cave, a renowned ice structure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina, has collapsed, leaving locals and nature enthusiasts mourning the loss of one of the region’s most treasured landmarks.

The collapse occurred on Sunday, with no injuries reported, as access to the site had been restricted for visitors since 2021 due to safety concerns stemming from erosion.

The Jimbo Cave was celebrated for its striking natural tunnel shape and intricate patterns of ice and rock, drawing visitors from around the world to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth.

However, years of natural erosion and insufficient regulations on tourist activity left the site increasingly vulnerable.

Scientists from the Austral Centre for Scientific Research had long warned about the cave’s instability.

Their studies revealed that the ice formation, perched 700 meters above sea level, was prone to detachment of ice and rock fragments, creating a growing risk of collapse.

“The Jimbo Cave was a geological wonder, but its fragile nature was always evident. Small detachments over the years were clear signs of the eventual collapse,” a spokesperson from Tierra del Fuego National Park said.

Despite restricted access, the site remained an attraction for thrill-seekers.

In 2022, a 37-year-old Brazilian tourist, Dennis Marin, ventured into the cave and suffered fatal injuries from falling ice.

Warnings were posted at the site’s entrance for nearly five years, with signs cautioning visitors: “Do not enter under any circumstances! Rocks and ice fall. It looks incredible from the outside.”

The collapse coincides with a heatwave warning for southern Patagonia, including Tierra del Fuego, which likely accelerated the deterioration of the ice.

Rising temperatures and shifting climatic conditions have increasingly threatened fragile formations like the Jimbo Cave.

Experts have stressed the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable ecosystems.

“While tourism is vital to regions like Tierra del Fuego, the Jimbo Cave’s collapse highlights the importance of balancing exploration with conservation,” said a local conservationist. 

The collapse of the Jimbo Cave has left a void in Tierra del Fuego’s natural heritage. Viral videos of the cave’s dramatic collapse have been shared widely, accompanied by heartfelt messages from those fortunate enough to have witnessed its beauty in person.

“It’s an irreparable loss. The Jimbo Cave was more than a tourist attraction, it was a symbol of our connection with nature and the delicate balance required to protect it,” locals shared.

Authorities and environmental groups are now considering steps to assess and preserve other geological features in the region.