“Rescue underway” at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV) – Emergency crews responded to an equipment malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Thursday afternoon.

According to Divide Fire, crews assisted in an “ongoing rescue.”

Officials said “about a dozen” people would be rescued from the mine.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department said they were providing mutual aid to a situation at the mine. They were sent out at 1:15 p.m. Five engines and a drone responded.

“Just a quick update on today’s incident at the Molly Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek,” the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said around 2:10 p.m. “This was due to an equipment malfunction. The mine didn’t collapse.”

Gov. Jared Polis said they have committed state funding to support recovery efforts for the Mollie Kathleen mine.

“I have spoken with the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will remain in touch as this rescue operation progresses. The state is supporting Teller County and providing resources to save the mine's residents. We will do everything possible to help the county ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office plans to hold a news conference with an update on the events at approximately 4:30 p.m

The final public tour of the mine this season was scheduled for next Sunday.

As of 2:40 p.m., we don't know exactly how many people were rescued or whether there were any injuries.

This is a developing situation and KKTV 11 News will update this article as we learn more details.

Copyright 2024 KKTV. All rights reserved.