One dead and 23 rescued after accident traps guests in 1,000-foot-deep Colorado gold mine

One person died and 23 others needed to be rescued after an accident trapped them in a 1,000-foot-deep gold mine in Colorado.

“I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the person who died in this incident,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Thursday evening CNN.

No further information was provided about the deceased person. According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, four others rescued required treatment for minor injuries.

Around 12 p.m. Thursday, a mechanical problem occurred at a depth of 500 feet at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a tourist mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado. During what was supposed to be a two-minute ride, the incident posed great danger to passengers aboard the elevator, officials said. Officials arrived at the scene and immediately began moving the elevator from its position and rescuing the eleven people on the board at the time. However, another dozen remained underground. The incident finally came to an end on Thursday evening.

The mine faced a similar situation in 1986, and although it is no longer in operation, it has offered tours for “well over 50 years,” Mikesell said.

The mine is 1,000 feet deep and has a temperature of 50 degrees. There are no underground toilets and visitors are provided with safety helmets. Water, chairs and blankets were available to trapped guests, including children, throughout the incident.

In a social media post, the local fire department said: “We are thrilled to hear that all 12 people still at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine were safely rescued.” We are grateful for the work of all the first responders who made this happen have ensured the safety of those still inside. Our condolences go out to the family who lost a loved one this evening. Please pray for them.”