One dead, several trapped, rescue operations underway in the Mollie Kathleen gold mine

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) is responding to what is being called a major incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek.

Many people are trapped 300 meters underground after an “equipment failure”. Officials told ABC that the people were part of a tour group and were stuck near the bottom of the Molly Kathleen Mine.

So far 11 people have been rescued.

TCSO confirmed one person is dead. After the elevator failed, 12 people are still trapped at the bottom of the shaft. In the first incident, 4 people were injured. Two children were involved and are among the eleven children rescued.

Teller County commissioners confirm they have been on the phone with the governor, who is sending resources. Specifically, the state has a Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management field director on site, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated and supporting resource requests, a Department of Natural Resources mine rescue team is en route, and the Department of Labor and Employment has a transportation inspector en route.

According to TCSO, the incident was due to an equipment malfunction. The mine did not collapse.

A source briefed at the government office told ABC many were still trapped and several had been rescued. An active search and rescue operation is underway.

“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 Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is providing mutual aid rescue. Heavy Rescue 17, Collapse 17, Supply 17, Battalion Chiefs 1 and 4, and Height Rescue 5 and 13 all respond from the CSFD. CSFD reports they are working on several rescues.

KRDO13 has a crew on the way. This is a developing story.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is an old gold mine just outside Cripple Creek, where today you can pay to visit the abandoned mine underground.