The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population announced that a complex operation successfully rescued a Spanish tourist who was trapped while visiting the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu in the Dahshur archaeological area, RT reported on Monday.
The ministry’s official spokesperson, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, explained that as soon as hotline 123 received a report about the tourist being injured inside the pyramid, an ambulance was immediately dispatched to the site.
A specialized medical team moved to monitor the case and carry out the rescue operation.
According to Abdel-Ghaffar, the tourist had slipped on a steep wooden slope inside one of the pyramid’s narrow passages, reportedly breaking a foot.
The ambulance crew had to enter the pyramid through a narrow passageway extending approximately 80 meters underground, with a width of no more than one meter, he added, which took exceptional effort due to the cramped space and poor ventilation.
Abdel-Ghaffar explained that the operation took several hours, during which the team provided first aid to the tourist, stabilizing her with a safety belt and a spinal board.
The team then carefully transported her through the narrow stone passages to the surface of the pyramid.
Members had to climb very carefully to avoid any further injuries before she was safely extracted and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
A complex operation
The head of the Egyptian Ambulance Authority Amr Rashid emphasized that this operation was one of the most complex rescue operations ever carried out by the authority, as it took place within a closed archaeological site, at great depth and with limited access.
He praised the medical team’s professionalism and ability to ensure the tourist’s safety, all without harming the historical site.
The Ministry of Health and Population expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Egyptian Ambulance Authority teams, stressing that this incident highlights the efficiency of Egyptian agencies and their high level of preparedness to deal with emergencies in various circumstances and locations, even sensitive archaeological sites.
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu is one of the oldest pyramids in Egypt and poses a particular logistical and security challenge due to its narrow passageways and delicate archaeological nature.
This operation therefore represents a unique model of coordination between the health sector and the relevant authorities in antiquities and emergencies.
