1 killed, 12 people trapped inside Colorado gold mine after elevator malfunction
Entrance to the Mollie Kathleen Mine on Oct. 12, 2008 in Cripple Creek, Colorado. (Nina Raingold/Getty Images)
One person has died and 12 people remain trapped inside a Colorado gold mine after an elevator malfunction, according to a local news media report.
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office said that about 500 feet into the mine, a malfunction occurred in the elevator system and created a "severe danger" to the people who were on board, Fox 21 reported.
The 11 people who were rescued consisted of two children, as well as the deceased, but police have not released any information on how the person died.
An additional 12 remain trapped 1,000 feet inside the mine.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department has crews responding to rescue the trapped miners. The elevator is still malfunctioning and crews plan to rescue the remaining people using a system of ropes and harnesses, according to Fox 21.
Mollie Kathleen Mine
The miners are trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a tourist destination which allows visitors to descend 1,000 feet into the earth.
Visitors are able to visit the underground mine for an hour-long tour and witness "gold veins in their natural state," according to the mine’s website.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis responds
Gov. Jared Polis shared on his X account that he has spoken with county commissioners and the sheriff’s office and is assisting with rescue efforts.
"We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation," Polis said.