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Dangerous conditions hinder recovery in collapsed ice cave

The caves are a popular hiking destination, but can be extremely dangerous in warm weather
One killed, several hurt in Washington ice cave collapse 02:07

VERLOT, Wash. -- Authorities say dangerous conditions are making it difficult to recover the body of a 34-year-old woman who died when ice caves partially collapsed in Washington state.

Rescue experts say rock and ice fell at the back of the cave Monday and more debris came down overnight.

Snohomish County sheriff's spokeswoman Shari Ireton said at a news conference Tuesday that rescuers are looking at "every possible option" for recovering the body.

Phyllis Reed of the U.S. Forest Service says signs warn visitors of the hazards from ice and rock at the Big Four Ice Caves, a popular hiking destination about 70 miles northeast of Seattle.

She says warm weather has made the caves unstable this season, and the ice already has melted as much as is typically seen in August.

The warm weather has brought out an increased number of tourists to see the ice caves this season, CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers reported on "CBS This Morning." Due to the danger falling ice, hikers are warned not to enter the caves, but the person who was killed was found inside.

In addition to the fatality, a child and three adults were hurt in the collapse.

A 35-year old female was released from a Seattle hospital Monday night, CBS Seattle reported. A 35-year-old male who was also injured is no longer in intensive care at the hospital, and has been upgraded to satisfactory condition.

Also, a 25-year-old male victim has been upgraded from critical to serious condition, and remains in intensive care. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was sent to an Everett, Washington, hospital

The ice caves have been closed until further notice.

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