It has been reported that an overweight woman became trapped in a “splits position” on an underground cave tour for 12 hours on New Years day. She is said to have slipped and become wedged whilst trapping herself and 23 other participants of the trip. The incident occured in the “Tunnel of Love” in Cango Caves, South Africa. In order to be freed she had to be greased with liquid paraffin and then hoisted by a pulley.
The couple were advised not to take part in the trip but continued to do so. The 23 others who were trapped as a result were given food, water and blankets whilst waiting to be rescued. At one point a rescuer had to climb over the trapped woman to deliver insulin to a diabetic who was trapped. The rescue is estimated to have cost around 3,000 due to the use of helicopters.