one dead and twelve prisoners at Cripple Creek

One person was killed and 12 trapped underground after an elevator full of tourists broke down at a Colorado gold mine.

The elevator at the Mollie Kathleen mine in Cripple Creek, 100 miles south of Denver, was operating 500 feet underground Thursday afternoon.

Eleven people, including two children, were rescued. Four of them suffered minor injuries, including back and neck pain, and were treated on the surface. The children were counseled.

Another 12 people, including a mine employee, were stuck 300 meters underground as rescuers tried to reach them. They were in constant contact with those trying to free them, Colorado officials said, and had blankets, chairs and water. The temperature at 1,000 feet is about 10°C (50°F).

Jason Mikesell, Sheriff of Teller