An elevator at a former gold mine acting as a tourist site in Colorado failed, killing one person while trapping at least 12 others 1,000 feet beneath the surface.
The mine, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, is near the town of Cripple Creek in central Colorado.
The elevator had a mechanical issue at 500 feet, causing “severe danger for the participants,” Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said at a press conference. The people trapped in the mine are in communication with authorities, Mikesell added.
Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO) commented on the situation in a statement, also saying he is directing additional resources to the site to assist the people who are still trapped.
“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort,” Polis said in a statement. “The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation.”
The sole victim has not been identified. Mikesell said they could rescue the people by rope but are hoping to get the elevator system working again before doing so. He said the last time there was an incident at the site was in 1986.
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The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has been conducting tours since the 1930s, even though mining ceased in 1961.
“As such, Mollie Kathleen’s tour operation offers a rare glimpse into Colorado mining history, and, as a deep shaft tour operation is both rare, and, particularly vulnerable to ventilation and other issues. Our tour level is an underground museum of Colorado mining history, mechanics and tools,” state documents said.