Deputies Respond to Possible Emergency
Bonneville County Sheriff Search and Rescue teams were dispatched Friday evening to 17 Mile Cave following reports of a vehicle left unattended at the lava tube entrance for an extended time.
The call came in around 7 p.m. regarding a car parked at the cave site, located approximately 16 miles west of Idaho Falls near U.S. Highway 20. A concerned citizen who discovered the abandoned vehicle contacted authorities with fears that someone might be trapped inside the cave system and potentially in need of assistance.
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Chris Smith confirmed that deputies conducted a comprehensive search of the cave to locate anyone who might be in distress. The lava tube system required thorough exploration to ensure no one was injured or stranded within the underground formation.
Vehicle Owner Located Safely
After completing their search operations, deputies determined that the individual associated with the parked vehicle was not inside the cave. Law enforcement located the car’s owner at a different location, Smith reported.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, and emergency personnel cleared the scene after confirming no one required medical attention or rescue assistance.
Cave System Popular With Explorers
The 17 Mile Cave is one of several lava tube formations in the Eastern Idaho region formed by ancient volcanic activity. These underground caves attract visitors and explorers throughout the year, though they can present safety challenges due to uneven terrain, darkness, and the potential for disorientation.
Sheriff’s office officials did not provide additional details about why the vehicle had been left at the cave entrance or where the owner was ultimately found.
What Comes Next
The incident serves as a reminder for cave explorers to inform others of their plans and expected return times when visiting remote recreational areas. Bonneville County Search and Rescue maintains readiness to respond to emergency calls throughout the county’s vast rural areas, including popular outdoor destinations near Idaho Falls.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone venturing into cave systems or backcountry areas to take proper safety precautions and ensure someone knows their whereabouts and planned return time.