Germany cave: Trapped explorer 'well enough' for evacuation

An injured man trapped in Germany's deepest cave is well enough for the rescue operation to begin, officials have said.

They said two doctors who earlier reached Johann Westhauser in the 1,000m-deep (3,280ft) Riesending cave had given a go ahead for the ascent.

The operation is likely to take several days, negotiating the cave's narrow passages and vertical shafts.

Mr Westhauser, 52, was badly hurt in a rock fall on Sunday.

'Massive thing'

Andreas Wolf, the head of the rescue operation, said on Thursday the two doctors were satisfied Mr Westhauser could be stretchered out.