Colorado gold mine update: Trapped tourists rescued after one person dies in accident involving Mollie Kathleen

The 12 people stranded 1,000 feet in a Colorado gold mine have been brought to safety after one person was killed in the horrific incident.

An elevator system malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek killed the unknown person and trapped twelve others.

On Thursday evening, officials managed to repair the elevator system and bring those remaining in the mine to the surface, including 11 tourists.

At an earlier press conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the one person’s death.

He said rescue teams arrived and managed to pull 11 people to safety who were halfway down the shaft while the 12 remained stuck.

At an earlier press conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the one person’s death

According to the sheriff’s office, a malfunction in the elevator system posed a “significant danger” to passengers on board while they were 500 feet deep in the mine.

He said at least four people suffered minor injuries, including back and neck pain, and were treated at the scene.

After the rescue, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said all remaining 12 were uninjured.

Authorities had previously said those stuck below had blankets, chairs, water and ways to communicate with rescue teams on the surface.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department confirmed the successful rescue and said, “We are pleased that all 12 people still at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine were safely rescued.”

“We are grateful for the work of all first responders who 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.”

While Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement, “I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen mine have been safely rescued.”

First responders are seen here working at the scene after the incident on Thursday afternoon

According to the sheriff’s office, a malfunction in the elevator system posed a “significant danger” to passengers on board while they were 500 feet deep in the mine

The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but continues to offer tours that take people 100 stories underground

According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the final tour day of the season was scheduled to take place this Sunday

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the person who died in this incident.”

The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but continues to offer tours that take people 100 stories underground.

According to the company’s website, the tour includes a two-minute drive down into the mine, where tourists can walk a quarter-mile through underground terrain.

According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the final tour day of the season was scheduled to take place this Sunday.