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UPDATE: Nineteen people wade through neck-deep water to escape Kentucky cave

People exit Hidden River Cave after officials said over a dozen people who exploring the cave were trapped by rising water Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Horse Cave, Ky. Horse Cave Fire Chief Donnie Parker said the rising water was caused by heavy rains in the area Thursday afternoon.
People exit Hidden River Cave after officials said over a dozen people who exploring the cave were trapped by rising water Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Horse Cave, Ky. Horse Cave Fire Chief Donnie Parker said the rising water was caused by heavy rains in the area Thursday afternoon. People exit Hidden River Cave after officials said over a dozen people who exploring the cave were trapped by rising water Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Horse Cave, Ky. Horse Cave Fire Chief Donnie Parker said the rising water was caused by heavy rains in the area Thursday afternoon.

By Alex Washburn 2 min read

UPDATE: Authorities say all 19 people who were trapped in a Kentucky cave have waded through neck-deep water to get out.

Hart County Emergency Management Director Kerry McDaniel says the group of Clemson University students walked out of the cave without assistance Thursday after being trapped by rising water.

McDaniel says there is only one way in and out of the Hidden River Cave in south-central Kentucky.

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HORSE CAVE, Ky. – Two tour groups exploring a Kentucky cave were trapped Thursday by rising water, leaving 19 people missing – including two police officers who tried to reach them, authorities said.