1 dead, 12 people rescued after elevator malfunctions at historic Colorado gold mine

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) – Emergency crews responded to a gold mine in Colorado following reports of people trapped after an elevator malfunctioned at the historic site.

The Teller County Sheriff’s Office said first responders were called to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Thursday afternoon.

The sheriff’s office confirmed one person died.

Teller County officials said 12 people were also trapped inside the mine, about 1,000 feet underground, Thursday evening before they were all pulled to safety.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the elevator had a mechanical problem about 500 feet below the surface, which created a “serious danger to participants.”

Authorities said the mine did not collapse and that emergency calls were for an equipment malfunction at the site.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he had also been briefed on the situation.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a historic site that was closed in the 1960s but still offers tours to visitors.

No one else was injured in the ordeal and 11 other people were also helped out of the mine earlier in the afternoon.

Sheriff Mikesell said the investigation into the elevator malfunction is still ongoing.

Authorities did not immediately identify the deceased person.

Copyright 2024 KKTV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.