One person was killed and 12 left trapped after an “equipment failure” occurred during a tour at a popular Colorado tourist spot, while 11 others were rescued from a Colorado mine, authorities said Thursday.
The incident occurred at the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, which is closed for mining but remains open for tours about 1,000 feet underground, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office. It is said that they are doing this.
Around noon, authorities said, an elevator transporting tourists to the mine experienced a mechanical problem, posing a danger to passengers.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the trapped people were “safe at 1,000 feet.” “They honestly don't know we have a problem other than there's a problem with the elevator.”
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Entrance to the Molly Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado. A historic mining town just south of Colorado Springs. Tourists flock here to learn about the area's gold rush heritage and experience a slice of the infamous Wild West. (Nina Reingold/Getty Images)
“They have water to drink. There are chairs,” he added. “They have blankets. They have what they need for now.”
Eleven people, including two children, were rescued by tram. Four of them suffered minor injuries, and one unidentified person died about 500 feet into the mine.
Authorities were waiting for engineers from the state to examine the elevator and determine whether it was safe to begin lifting the trapped visitors.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he was aware of the situation.
Tours run from May through the second weekend of October.
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Molly Kathleen Gold Mine Tours is a popular tourist attraction. (Google Maps)
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“I have spoken with the Teller County Sheriff and county commissioners and will continue to communicate with them throughout this rescue effort,” he said in a statement. “The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue the people inside the mine. We will do everything in our power to assist the county in resolving the situation quickly and safely.”
