One dead, 12 trapped during Colorado mine tour after equipment malfunction

One person is dead, 12 people remain trapped and 11 others have been rescued from a Colorado mine after an “equipment malfunction” occurred during a tour at a popular tourist attraction, authorities said Thursday.

The incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Cripple Creek, which is closed for mining but still offers tours about 1,000 feet underground, the Teller County Sheriff's Office said.

Around midday, there was a mechanical problem with the elevator that takes tourists into the mine, posing a danger to passengers, authorities said.

“They are safe at the 1,000-foot level,” Sheriff Jason Mikesell said of those trapped. “They honestly don’t know we had a problem other than there’s a problem with the elevator.”

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Entrance to the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The historic mining town south of Colorado Springs. Tourists flock here to learn about the region's gold rush legacy and experience a slice of the infamous Wild West. (Nina Raingold/Getty Images)

“They drink water. They have chairs,” he added. “They have blankets. They have what they need now.”

Eleven people, including two children, were rescued by tram. Four of them suffered minor injuries, while an unknown person died about 500 feet deep in the mine.

Authorities were waiting for state engineers to inspect the elevator to determine whether it was safe to begin transporting trapped visitors back.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was aware of the situation.

Tours are open from May to the second weekend in October.

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The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour is a popular tourist attraction. (Google Maps)

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