Multiple vacationers trapped underground after failure in Colorado mine, reviews say

One person has died and 12 people remain trapped underground at a Colorado gold mine after an equipment failure on Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened around 12pm after an elevator system failed at the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, a tourist-destination in Teller County. At about 500 feet deep a mechanical issue created a severe danger for riders on board a trolley car. When officials arrived at the scene, they immediately started working to get the trolley car out from its position and rescue 11 people.

The individual that died was with the group on the car.

A rescue operation remains underway for those still inside, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said at a news conference. The dozen individuals are stuck at 1,000 feet deep. All of the visitors are safe, the sheriff said.

The 1890’s gold mine is no longer operational but does offer tours to visitors which are advertised as an opportunity to experience the “Old West.” The mine is about 1,000 feet deep and has a temperature of 50 degrees. There are no restrooms underground and visitors are given hard hats.

In a statement posted to X, Governor Jared Polis said he had spoken with Teller County Commissioners and local law enforcement and is “closely monitoring the situation.”

A field manager with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in addition to other law enforcement personnel are on scene.

“We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Polis concluded.

Tours of the mine are expected to last about an hour and cost $30 for adults. A portion of the mine is very close together, a warning about claustrophobia states. The business is family-owned and has been operating for about 50 years.

Mikesell described the operators as “good folks.”

This is a developing story…

Source: independent.co.uk