A dozen tourists, trapped for several hours in a Colorado gold mine due to an elevator malfunction, were rescued on Thursday. The incident, which occurred during a public tour of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, resulted in one fatality, according to officials.
The group became trapped when the mine’s elevator experienced a mechanical failure at a depth of 500 feet around midday, as reported by Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a family-owned enterprise, offers tours to the public.
Governor Jared Polis expressed relief at the successful rescue of the trapped individuals, extending his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life in the incident. He also commended the swift response of state and local first responders and law enforcement.
Sheriff Mikesell, in a press conference, confirmed that one person had died and four others had sustained minor injuries during the incident. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances of their death have not been disclosed by officials.
Earlier in the day, 11 people, including two children, were rescued from the malfunctioning elevator. However, 11 tourists and one mine staffer remained trapped 1,000 feet underground. The trapped individuals were provided with drinking water, chairs, and blankets as rescue efforts continued to restore the elevator to working condition and ensure their safe return.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located in Cripple Creek, approximately 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, ceased operations in the 1960s. Despite this, it has remained open as a tourist attraction.