Several tourists trapped in gold mine in Colorado

At least one person has died and 12 remain trapped at an abandoned Colorado gold mine following an equipment failure, officials said.

The people, part of a tourist group, are stuck at the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek.

“There is an elevator issue that needs to be addressed before they can be brought up,” Sheriff Jason Mike told reporters.

The mine has been a tourist attraction for well over 50 years. The hour-long tour takes visitors 1,000 feet (305 m) down the shaft to the southwest side of Pikes Peak, the tour operator's website says.

Rescue workers have already saved 11 people. At least four have minor injuries.

Officers are in full contact with the 12 other people stuck, Sheriff Mike said.

“They have chairs, blankets, water and a safe temperature,” he said. “The cause of this was an equipment malfunction. The mine didn’t collapse.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said state resources had been allocated to support rescue efforts.

“We will do everything possible and support the county to ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Polis.

According to the tour operator's website Entering the mine is like riding an elevator.

The ride itself lasts two minutes at a speed of 500 feet per minute (approximately 5 miles per hour).