1 dead, 4 injured in underground incident at former Colorado gold mine
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The entrance to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, a historic mining town just south of Colorado Springs. Photo: Nina Raingold/Getty Images
A "mechanical issue" at a disused Colorado gold mine left one person dead and 12 trapped, officials said Thursday.
The latest: All of those who became trapped during a tour of the former Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek after an elevator malfunction have been rescued, Colorado Springs Fire Department said on X.
The big picture: Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell told reporters on Thursday that four people had been injured in the incident at the former gold mine, which he said has been a family owned tourist attraction for more than 50 years.
- Initially, Mikesell said 11 people had been saved and officials were working to rescue those still trapped, but there had been "an elevator issue to resolve before they could be brought up."
Zoom in: The Teller County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Facebook Thursday the incident was "due to an equipment malfunction" and that the mine did not collapse.
- "We did have one fatality that occurred during this issue at 500 feet," Mikesell said.
- Authorities used radio to communicate with those who were still trapped before their rescue, but said they had "chairs, blankets, water and are at a safe temperature."
What they're saying: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement that state resources had been allocated to assist with rescue efforts.
- "We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation," he added prior to their rescue.
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Editor's note: This article, including the headline, has been updated to reflect that all 12 of those who were trapped at the mine have now been rescued.
