A teenage boy has died and an 18-year-old woman seriously injured when a cave roof collapsed during a camping trip in Shropshire.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said the boy was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital after the incident at the Hermitage Caves, near Bridgnorth, at around 1.50am on Monday.
A spokesman said: "It appears as though a group of youngsters were camping in the cave when part of the roof collapsed."
The spokesman confirmed that a local woman suffered back, neck and rib injuries in the collapse.
The female casualty, who is believed to live in Bridgnorth, was taken to the same hospital with "potentially serious" but non-life threatening injuries.
West Mercia Police said it was believed that a group of youngsters had lit a fire while camping in the cave.
A force spokesman said: "At this stage we are trying to establish exactly what happened, but it seems that a quantity of rocks and rubble fell on those inside when part of the cave collapsed.
"It appears to be a tragic accident."
Officers believe the boy who died was aged about 16 and have informed the local coroner of his death.
The spokesman added: "Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service dealt with a small fire inside the cave.
"The area has now been sealed off and the Health and Safety Executive informed."
Two ambulances were sent to the sandstone caves, which are located to the east of the town.
