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From Iceland — Woman Died After Falling Into Gorge of Glymur Waterfall

Woman died after falling into gorge of glymur waterfall.

Published March 23, 2023

A woman died Wednesday after falling roughly 200 metres into the gorge of Glymur waterfall, visir.is reports . The woman died instantly, according to search and rescue members deployed to the scene. She and her partner, both tourists in their 20s, were hiking by the waterfall at the time of the tragic accident.

Conditions around Glymur, Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, are dangerous at this time of year. It was difficult for volunteers from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) to reach the woman due to the ice accumulated in the gorge and along the cliffs on either side of the waterfall, spokesperson Jón Þór Víglundsson told Vísir.

Ásmundur Kristinn Ásmundsson, West Iceland deputy chief of police, confirmed the height of the fall and said police were investigating the incident, as well as trying to contact the woman’s relatives.

Jón Þór noted that the area around the Glymur, located at the end of Hvalfjörður, can be dangerous for tourists not accustomed to Icelandic nature or experienced with hiking, especially in icy conditions. The path to the waterfall lacks safety barriers or chains marking the edge of cliffs.

Jón Þór stressed that the accident also highlights the need for wider improvements across the country, saying that there are numerous tourist sites where safety measures need to be improved. He called for greater efforts to ensure that tourists can visit these popular destinations safely.

Tourist fatalities have happened on occasion as more people visit Iceland’s rugged nature. One man compiled a map to track the locations where fatal tourist accidents have occurred .

• Glym waterfall
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Iceland 'sneaker waves' sweep away group of tourists moments after man hurt, prompting safety review

Wave catches tourist off guard at Iceland's iconic Reynisfjara Beach

Sneaker wave at Iceland's iconic Reynisfjara Beach hits tourists after they ignore tour guides warning.

A group of tourists who got too close to the surf on an iconic beach in Iceland were knocked down by the region's notorious " sneaker waves " last week, moments after another man was almost swept into the ocean.

The incident happened on Nov. 11 at the iconic Reynisfjara Beach, located on the country's southern coast.

The beach, which features black sand, steep cliffs, and towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance, is also notable for the powerful waves that can sometimes inundate sections of the beach where tourists like to roam.

TOURISTS IN ICELAND FLEE GIANT WAVE FOLLOWING COLLAPSE OF GLACIER

That's exactly what happened last week when a group of tourists were caught up in a wave that inundated part of the beach.

Tour guide Thorolfur Sævar Sæmundsson, who filmed the incident from a safe distance, told Storyful the beach is safe "95 percent of the time" but that “sometimes we have high waves. People need to be careful."

The iconic Reynisfjara Beach, as seen in October 2018, features black sand, steep cliffs, and towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance. (Travis Fedschun/Fox News)

In the video filmed by Sæmundsson, a large wave knocked over several tourists, who could be heard screaming and reacting as water carries them a few feet down the beach. Sæmundsson said he warns people not to go down to the shoreline because of the surprising "sneaker waves" that can take visitors by surprise.

“Idiots,” the tour guide can be heard saying in the video.

Sneaker waves -- large waves that strike without warning -- sometimes claim lives of the unwary due to their unpredictability. The waves typically appear in the U.S. along the coast of the Pacific Northwest. A man on vacation with his family in Northern California was killed on his 39th birthday earlier this year after he was swept into the sea by a "sneaker wave" when fishing on some rocks.

"Sneaker waves are deadly, larger-than-average swells that can suddenly and without warning surge dozens of feet higher up the beach than expected, overtaking the unwary,'  according to the National Weather Service .

The agency says they are called "sneaker waves" because they often appear with no warning after long periods of quiet surf and much smaller waves that can last for up to 20 minutes.

"Based on what they see, they get too close to the water and stop paying attention," the NWS says. "It is this calm that lulls people into a sense of security. Survivors all say the same thing: They thought they were far enough from the surf to be safe. They never saw the wave coming."

TEXAS GRANDMOTHER RESCUED AFTER POSING ON 'ICEBERG THRONE’ THAT DRIFTED OUT TO SEA DURING ICELAND VACATION

In Iceland, the iconic Reynisfjara Beach has been the site where several tourists have died over the past decade due to the waves, with many close calls also being reported.

Around the same time of the incident caught on video, another tourist was injured when he was also knocked over by a wave and nearly dragged out to sea, Icelandic news site Visir reported .

A warning sign at Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland as seen in October 2018. (Travis Fedschun/Fox News)

The entrance to the beach area does feature warning signs that highlight the risk, but officials said the two incidents have prompted a safety review of the tourist site.

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At a meeting on Friday, government officials introduced measures to improve safety at the beach that could allow police to close the site for five to seven days from November till March every year due to weather conditions, Icelandic news outlet Morgunblaðið reported .

Tourists in Iceland flee giant wave from glacier collapse

A group of tourists in Iceland were left scampering to safety when a large chunk of a nearby glacier suddenly collapsed into the sea, producing a gigantic wave that caught the adventurers by surprise.

Another project in the works is a wave forecast system for the beach with a connected warning system to inform tourists who plan on traveling to the site. The project would also include a mast on the beach with a light that would flash a warning at times of danger, according to the Iceland Review .

Icelandic Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir has said the recent incidents prove why a risk evaluation of the area is necessary.

“It’s unacceptable that there’s a risk of a massive accident in one of the most popular tourist locations in the country, without the necessary arrangements in place," she said at a meeting on Friday. "Certain improvements have been made, but the responsibility for the case is complicated as well as the fact that travelers often ignore warnings, putting themselves at great risk."

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Iceland Mag

Woman who drowned in Steinholtsá river was US citizen, on honeymoon with her husband

By Staff | Sep 3 2018

The vehicle The vehicle floated downstream from the crossing before it came to a stop. Photo/Hermann Valsson

The Accident Steinholtsá river is a glacial melt river, and is difficult to cross, even in the best circumstances. Photo/Hermann Valsson

Steinholtsá river On the route to Þórsmörk Nature Reserve. Photo/Loftmyndir

The woman who died in a tragic accident on the way to Þórsmörk Nature Preserve on Friday was a US citizen in her twenties. She was on her honeymoon with her husband when the accident took place.

Previously:  Foreign traveler drowned crossing an unbridged river in S. Iceland

The accident took place early afternoon at the unbridged crossing over Steinholtsá river, a glacial melt river which carries meltwater from Steinholtsjökull, an outlet glacier of Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The river had swollen due to significant rain in recent days. According to sources the river was "at its worst" on Friday. Steinholtsá is a difficult river to cross, as the riverbed and the river shift constantly. As is the cas with many unbridged rivers in Iceland the crossing over the river is therefore constantly on the move.

The vehicle the couple was driving lost grip while crossing the river, and floated down river. The people exited their vehicle, but it appears that the woman was either knocked down by the current, or she lost her footing, causing her to fall in the raging river which carried her approximately 650 meters (2,100 ft) downstream. She finally came to a stop on shallows in the middle of the river. The man made it ashore.

According to the National Broadcasting Service RÚV there were no witnesses to the accident, but people, including ICE-SAR members who were nearby, arrived at the scene shortly after it took place. The woman could only be reached by a modified ICE-SAR mountain truck. The Coast Guard was notified immediately to airlift the people to hospital in Reykjavík. However, attempts to resuscitate the woman at the scene were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the National University Hospital in Reykjavík.

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Things That Can Kill You in Iceland (Plus Sand Snakes)

Deadly Icelandic Beaches

The unstable icebergs in glacier lagoons.

• Iceland's Unpredictable Weather
• Iceland's Strong Winds

Other Dangers in Iceland

Dangerous animals in iceland, sand snakes and other misconceptions, final thoughts on the dangers of iceland.

Find out if Iceland is dangerous, even deadly, in this guide to local conditions. Read about weather and terrain-related hazards and discover whether there are dangerous animals in Iceland. You'll also learn about sand snakes in Iceland and whether to be worried about them. By being a well-informed traveler, you can help prevent accidents and stay safe on your trip.

• Get to know the ins and outs of Travel Etiquette in Iceland  
• Discover the 9 Worst Tourist Traps in Iceland  

Why is Iceland so dangerous? The extreme contrasts in the weather and nature are unlike anything most tourists have ever experienced. As a result, several tourists have sadly died in Iceland. Many instances could've been prevented if people had been more aware of their location and the possible dangers that Icelandic nature can hold. That is why it's so important to be prepared when traveling around Iceland, especially if you are on a self-driving tour .

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The country is often called "the land of fire and ice," and that name should not be taken lightly. In light of recent fatal accidents taking place at one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations, Reynisfjara beach, we compiled the main dangers in Iceland that tourists and locals should keep in mind.

We want to help make your trip to Iceland an incredible and safe adventure. We hope to inform you of what to be aware of and to prepare for, many of the dangers inherent to Iceland can be avoided and accidents mitigated.

Before traveling in Iceland, make sure you read up on how to drive in Iceland safely and inform yourself about the Icelandic search and rescue teams . Additionally, always be sure you leave your travel plan with the search and rescue teams and avoid making preventable mistakes, so you don't need to waste their valuable time. We want our travelers to explore safely and return in one piece.

Some of Iceland's beaches are incredibly popular tourist destinations, especially the Reynisfjara black sand beach on the southern coast of Iceland. Millions of people have visited this stunning area, where you can admire the pitch black sand, the linear basalt columns, and the impressive waves of the North Atlantic Ocean.

These waves, however, are highly unpredictable and, therefore, one of Iceland's dangers that is most often underestimated by travelers. They can be very high and large, and the undercurrent in the ice-cold ocean is powerful.

What's known as "sneaker waves" can also occur. This is when a single wave is much larger than the others, resulting in it sneaking further up onto the beach. Additionally, there are many large rocks with sharp edges in the area where the waves crash.

Visually the waves look spectacular, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that tourists (and locals) can spend hours watching them and taking pictures and videos. The danger lies in getting too close to the waves. Even if it's a nice and calm day and you feel like you're at a safe distance, a big wave can come along and sweep you out to sea.

Someone gets caught by the waves almost every day. Whereas most people just get slightly wet clothes or shoes, some have their camera equipment ruined, and tragically, there have even been a few tourist deaths in Iceland as a result.

In February 2016, a 40-year-old Chinese man stood atop the middle rock in the picture above when a sudden wave took him out to sea, where he drowned. His wife and two children were with him but unable to save him.

In 2007, a 75-year-old woman from the Unites States got caught by a wave and drowned. Three people jumped in to try to save her but couldn't reach her and put themselves in great danger at the same time.

The most recent tragedy took place in January 2017, when a German woman in her fifties was caught by a wave and washed ashore a couple of hours later. She was traveling with her husband and two children. Her son (in his thirties) also got caught by a wave but managed to return to shore alive. In 2013, a four-year-old girl ran straight towards the waves, but fortunately, a guide reacted quickly and managed to run after her and swiftly pick her up before the next wave.

All of these incidents took place on nice and sunny clear days, so you can imagine what the waves can be like in the middle of winter when it can be stormy and snowing.

Take extra care when you go to Reynisfjara and any other beach in Iceland.

Djupalonssandur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is another popular black sand beach where people have gotten caught in the surf, although luckily, no one has died there so far. 

Make sure, under all circumstances, not to turn your back to the sea or get lost in taking a selfie. The waves are much stronger than you'd expect, and heeding these warnings can be the difference between life and death.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular destinations, and it's not hard to understand why. Impressive icebergs float around in a large lagoon near Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull .

In wintertime, you can catch the northern lights dancing overhead , sometimes reflected in the lagoon and the ice in it. This is a photographer's heaven and provides an array of stunning aurora photos .

When you go to the lagoon, you'll see signs that forbid people to walk on the ice in the lagoon. There are usually some tour guides nearby who tell people not to walk on the ice.

Nevertheless, some people are either are oblivious to the danger or choose to ignore it. They'll walk on the ice (or even swim in the lagoon) to a floating iceberg. This is often done for an ever-so-precious selfie.

Although the ice may be connected to land when you arrive and looks safe to walk on, it can easily break off from the ground. If you find yourself stranded on a block of ice in the lagoon, you're in danger since the ice can tip over without warning. You might not only fall into the ice-cold water but could also find yourself trapped under the iceberg itself.

The water is so cold that people can only stay in it for a few minutes before they get hypothermia and die. The current in the calm lagoon is also powerful and can easily carry people out to sea.

Again, people tend to misjudge how stable and safe the natural attractions in Iceland are, leading to fatal incidents - what's beautiful can also be dangerous in Iceland.

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Iceland's unpredictable weather.

In Iceland, there's a saying that goes, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." The weather is constantly changing here, often quite suddenly. It can change dramatically in the same place in a matter of seconds and also change drastically from one location to the next.

These sudden weather changes often make for stunning, dramatic photos; however, this is also one of the things that can make Iceland dangerous. With the vast scenery, you can see where there's rain on your right-hand side, but the sun on your left.

The weather can be dramatically different depending on your location in the country. It can be sunny and pleasant in Reykjavik, where you start your day, but a snowstorm in the Highlands, where you end your day. This means you can drive through rain, snow, sun, wind, and fog, all within the same hour or even in a matter of a few minutes! Welcome to Iceland.

Additionally, you should never underestimate the windchill factor here. This means that you can hike through the same ever-changing conditions, so ensure you pack the correct essentials for all seasons .

Whereas snowstorms mainly tend to take place in wintertime, they have been known to take place in the middle of summer. Snowstorms are more likely to occur in the Highlands, where you won't find much shelter or traffic.

Hiking in Iceland is a beautiful way to explore the country and is very popular. However, when you go hiking in Iceland, you need to be prepared for any weather, even in the summer. This is not an occasion to pack light. Bring layers of wool or fleece and avoid wearing cotton or denim, as they get cold and lose their insulation capabilities when wet.

The most popular hiking route in Iceland is Laugavegur , named after Reykjavik's busiest shopping street. Even though it's a busy route, you can still feel like you're the only one on it.

In 2004, on a clear summer's day at the end of June, a 25-year-old Israeli man started the hike from Landmannalaugar . He was poorly dressed in sneakers, light trousers, and a light jacket. The staff at Landmannalaugar warned him not to go hiking in this outfit since the route crosses a glacier and he might get cold, but he went nonetheless.

He called the Icelandic Search and Rescue teams four hours later and reported he was utterly lost in a thick fog and getting very cold. A team of about 70 people went looking for him, but he was eventually found dead, only 0.6 miles (one kilometer) from a hut where he could've found shelter from the cold.

This is just one example of someone killed in Iceland due to insufficient clothing. Many more have frozen to death in the cold and unpredictable weather. Never underestimate how quickly the weather can turn, and always make sure that you're prepared for any kind of weather.

Iceland's Strong Winds

Tour providers are usually aware of any conditions that could affect your safety and cancel or reschedule tours that could put you at risk. However, it's always best to keep aware of changing conditions to ensure your safety.

In such situations, tour providers will either offer a different activity, issue a refund, or reschedule your tour to another day or time. This is common in Iceland, and tour providers are well-drilled in managing customers' safety in Iceland's ever-changing conditions.

Unfortunately, there have been cases recently where tourists have not heeded the warning of a red alert delivering cyclonic winds to West Iceland and the south coast. Sadly, this resulted in the death of two Chinese nationals in their twenties near the Solheimasandur DC3 plane wreck .

The best rule of thumb is not to travel if you feel unsafe in Iceland's winds. If you are driving yourself, you should always slow down to a speed that you're comfortable with or simply don't travel. Always keep up to date with Iceland's weather and road conditions daily and heed the warnings of locals who have experienced these conditions many times before.

We've listed the main dangers in Iceland. Whatever activity you plan on doing, be sure to keep all necessary information about the location before doing anything rash. Be sure to look out for information signs in the areas you are traveling as well. These will alert you to possible dangers both on the road and at various attractions around the country.

Other dangers in Iceland include falling into cracks on glaciers, getting stuck inside unstable ice caves , or burning yourself on hot springs . Remember never to go hiking on a glacier or enter an ice cave unless you're with someone that knows the area and the landscape extremely well. Only join in these activities under the supervision of professional guides.

Be careful around hot springs, and don't step too close; you may not fall in, but the surrounding mud can be just as hot, and your feet could sink into it.

Take note that off-road and off-track driving is illegal in Iceland. The tracks can sometimes be hard to see but are still regarded as roads. If you can't see a clear track, then you're driving off-road, and you're both damaging the local nature and possibly putting yourself at significant risk (at the risk of a hefty fine at the very least).

Driving in the Highlands requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Do not attempt to drive in the Highlands with a low-clearance car that doesn't have four-wheel drive; it won't end well but rather expensively. Your car will most likely get stuck, and you may have to wait a long time before receiving help (as well as pay for the damages to the vehicle).

Be careful when driving in Iceland as there are many single-lane bridges. If you have an accident or get stuck somewhere, it tends to be a long way to the nearest gas station, police station, or hospital.

Although Iceland is a volcanic island, you don't need to fear earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. No one has ever been seriously harmed directly due to an earthquake or a modern-day volcanic eruption in Iceland. That is the one thing you do not have to be afraid of in Iceland (find out more about volcanoes in Iceland ).

As you have no doubt noticed by now, most of Iceland's dangers are terrain or weather-related. Of course, that does not mean there are no dangerous animals in Iceland. For the most part, you have nothing to fear from the Icelandic animals, except perhaps some birds attacking you when they're protecting their eggs.

Just be careful not to hit any birds, sheep, cows, or reindeer while driving, as you may wound or kill the animals, and the crash can also harm yourself or fellow travelers.

The most dangerous animal in Iceland is probably the arctic fox. These are the only mammals native to Iceland and typically are not aggressive unless you try and pet one. However, with sharp teeth and a willingness to protect their young, these animals should not be underestimated due to their cute and cuddly looks.

Don't worry; there are no snakes in Iceland. This is one of those great trivia facts about Iceland that always surprise people. The climate is too cold for those cold-blooded snakes (no pun intended).

Sand snakes are when strong winds blow sand through the air in a stream so fast that it looks like a snake. These are not dangerous but rather beautiful and, as some describe it, an "unworldly" experience.

If you haven't noticed yet, there's a reason so many movies with exotic, out-of-this-world environments are filmed here in Iceland.

There are very few spiders in Iceland, and none of them are dangerous to humans, so you have nothing to worry about here, either.

Although there are no polar bears in Iceland, the occasional migratory polar bear has been known to arrive for a visit during frigid winters. It's illegal to kill polar bears swimming in the waters surrounding Iceland. However, should the ice-loving animals come up on land, they're considered a risk to humans and will be captured and relocated or killed.

• See also: Top 10 Animals In Iceland You May See During Your Trip

While there are many dangers in Iceland, the biggest and most important one is failing to be aware.

You must prepare for your trip with safety in mind first. Make sure when traveling around that you heed our advice in this article while also staying on top of the latest weather and road conditions daily. Also, make sure that you come dressed for the terrain, ensuring you remain as warm and dry as possible in any potential turn of events. Don't ignore local advice or warning signs under any circumstances.

Whether you're traveling the island on a self-drive adventure, planning to join guided tours, or just taking a city break to our outstanding capital, respect the rules and take our safety advice. We hope you have a wonderful stay in Iceland, make memories, enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and stay safe! We'd love to answer any questions or hear from any experiences you've had in the comments below.

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Breaking news, tourist plunges 250 feet to her death into active volcano while posing for photo.

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A tourist plunged 250 feet to her death in Indonesia after tripping while taking photos on the edge of an active volcano.

The woman, identified as 31-year-old Chinese citizen Huang Lihong, was with her husband on a guided tour of Ijen — a volcano park in East Java — when she tumbled into the crater Saturday, Hongxing News reported.

The couple had climbed to the top of the active volcano, which is known for its popular “blue fire” phenomenon, to catch the sunrise.

The tour guide later told authorities that Lihong had initially kept a safe distance from the edge of the crater after being repeatedly warned of the dangers while posing for snaps.

But she then started walking backward to inch closer — then accidentally stepped on her long clothing, tripped and fell into the mouth of volcano.

A photo circulating in local media showed Lihong apparently posing with her leg raised and clouds of sulfur gas behind her just before her deadly tumble.

It took rescuers roughly two hours to retrieve her body, according to authorities.

The tourist’s death has since been ruled an accident.

Her body was scheduled to be transported to Bali before being flown back to China, local media reported.

The Ijen volcano — among a cluster in the region — is known for its “blue fire”, which is caused by combustion of sulfuric gases.

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American tourist dead after suddenly getting sick on Sicily's Mount Etna, rescuers say

July 12, 2024 / 7:23 AM EDT / AP

A 55-year-old American tourist died after taking ill during an excursion on the southern side of Mount Etna, in Sicily, Italy's alpine rescue service said Friday.

Rescuers said the cause of his illness was still unknown, but warned against the risk of high temperatures coupled with humidity that may prove dangerous for tourists who usually have no specific preparation for such excursions.

After being alerted on Thursday afternoon, the alpine rescue team and an air ambulance reached the man in a remote area.

Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was transported to the closest service area for transfer to a hospital mortuary, rescuers said.

"Tourists who participate in these excursions should not underestimate the risks related to high temperatures, strong humidity, and the sudden jump in altitude," said Alfio Ferrara, a spokesman for the alpine rescue service.

"Often they agree to take part in these excursions that reach 2,000-2,300 meters (6,500 to 9,800 feet) in altitude, after spending the day at the beach," he added.

On Thursday, the temperatures on Mount Etna were estimated at between 77 and 82 degrees, Ferrara said. Italian authorities had declared a red weather alert in seven cities on Thursday, mostly in the central parts of the country.

The heat conditions are aggravated by humidity and could affect healthy people as well as those with health conditions, they warned.

Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, has seen a significant increase in activity over the past week.

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Man Pronounced Dead After Collapsing at Eruption Site

By Erik Pomrenke

• July 19, 2023

Reykjanes police announced that a man in his fifties collapsed yesterday, July 18, at the eruption site. After being evacuated to the hospital, the man was pronounced dead.

The man is stated to have had a pre-existing condition and did not die directly from the eruption. Local authorities have provided no further details at this time.

ICE-SAR and local police also recorded several other incidents at the eruption site yesterday.

• A woman with back problems received assistance from ICE-SAR teams and was escorted back to the parking lot.
• A 12-year-old girl suffered from exhaustion and had to be carried off trail by ICE-SAR.
• A group of four tourists didn’t trust themselves to make the return trip and required assistance.
• A group of ATV riders did not follow police directions at the site.

The Reykjanes eruption site is dangerous, and visitors are instructed to avoid areas marked as hazardous. Rescue operations at an active volcano are risky, and ICE-SAR has stated that it will not endanger the lives of its team.

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American tourist dies after sudden illness during excursion on Sicily's Mount Etna, rescuers say

Italy's alpine rescue service says a 55-year-old American tourist has died after being taken ill during an excursion on on the southern side of Mount Etna

ROME -- A 55-year-old American tourist died after being taken ill during an excursion on the southern side of Mount Etna, in Sicily, Italy's alpine rescue service said Friday.

Rescuers said the cause of his illness was still unknown, but warned against the risk of high temperatures coupled with humidity that may prove dangerous for tourists who usually have no specific preparation for such excursions.

After being alerted on Thursday afternoon, the alpine rescue team and an air ambulance reached the man in a remote area.

Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was transported to the closest service area for transfer to a hospital mortuary, rescuers said.

“Tourists who participate in these excursions should not underestimate the risks related to high temperatures, strong humidity, and the sudden jump in altitude,” said Alfio Ferrara, a spokesman for the alpine rescue service.

“Often they agree to take part in these excursions that reach 2,000-2,300 meters (6,500 to 9,800 feet) in altitude, after spending the day at the beach,” he added.

On Thursday, the temperatures on Mount Etna were estimated at between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 Fahrenheit), Ferrara said. Italian authorities had declared a red weather alert in seven cities on Thursday, mostly in the central parts of the country.

The heat conditions are aggravated by humidity and could affect healthy people as well as those with health conditions, they warned.

Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, has seen a significant increase in activity over the past week.

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Delta investigating spoiled meals that led to emergency landing

The airline temporarily pulled meals from international flights but has resumed normal service again.

Delta Air Lines was returning to normal food operations for international flights Friday after reports of spoiled meals on a flight this week forced a diversion, emergency medical attention and a change in food service for more than 100 flights.

The ordeal began early Wednesday morning when a flight heading from Detroit to Amsterdam with 277 passengers on board diverted to New York after crew members learned that some of the meals served to economy passengers were spoiled. While CBS shared photos of allegedly moldy food from the flight, the airline has not confirmed those photos and said it is investigating what went wrong with the food.

Service on the flight was about a third of the way through, according to Delta spokesman Anthony Black, but it’s not known how many people had eaten the food. Medical experts consulted by the flight crew recommended making the stop in New York City.

Emergency medical workers met Flight 136 at John F. Kennedy International Airport after it landed around 4 a.m. Wednesday to treat travelers; about a dozen people were examined, but no one was taken to the hospital, Delta said. The airline said the flight crew did not eat the food.

“Delta’s Food Safety team has engaged our suppliers to immediately isolate the product and launch a thorough investigation into the incident,” the airline said in a statement. “This is not the service Delta is known for and we sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and delay in their travels.”

On about 75 international flights on Wednesday and Thursday, Delta “moved to a pasta service” amid the review of its meals, Black said.

Airlines use meals that are prepared by outside vendors; hot meals are cooked in advance and either frozen or kept cold before being reheated on the plane.

Black did not name a catering company responsible for the meals on Wednesday’s flight but said that “there are multiple catering components under review.”

The disruption in service came amid the busy Fourth of July travel week when Delta expected to fly nearly 6 million people. In an interview with CBS Mornings, CEO Ed Bastian said the airline’s teams were ready for the holiday.

Health experts say airplane food — just like food on the ground — can become contaminated in several ways , including exposure to dirty water, incorrect handling or cooking, among others. It may not be heated properly or may be sitting out too long. But while food poisoning on planes does happen, it’s not a very common issue.

Had the travelers accidentally eaten some food contaminated with mold, it may have been uneventful, says Mark Gendreau, a physician and the chief medical officer of Beverly, Addison Gilbert and Anna Jaques hospitals in Massachusetts.

Unless you’re consuming a “massive quantity of mold,” he says people with healthy and intact immune systems can withstand eating some without much issue.

People could still experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea within hours if they did have symptoms. While it’s rare, you could also develop symptoms a day or two later, including allergic reactions, skin rashes and, in even more rare cases, weakness, fatigue and difficulty breathing, Gendreau added.

Ali A. Khan, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Fairfax, Va., said that for immunocompromised people, however, eating mold can be far more dangerous as the risks of it turning into a major fungal infection are greater.

You should be able to tell if your meal has been contaminated. Khan said signs of mold include unusual white or black spots, softer texture than normal or bad smells. If you do spot mold, throw out the entire meal rather than trying to cut the moldy part off, he said. It can be hard to tell exactly how deep the mold and adjacent bacteria have actually gone.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.