Twelve individuals were rescued after being trapped for approximately seven hours, 1,000 feet underground in a Colorado gold mine at Pikes Peak due to an elevator malfunction, according to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency teams successfully evacuated the 12 adults from the mine shaft using the elevator on Thursday night, Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated.
The cause of the elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a tourist attraction near Cripple Creek, is still under investigation.
One person tragically died during the incident, but further details are pending until the family is notified.
Four people sustained minor injuries, such as neck, back, and arm pain, and were treated by paramedics.
Two children were also on the elevator and will be provided mental health support.
The malfunction occurred when the elevator was about 500 feet down, posing significant danger to those on board, though the mine shaft remained stable.
First responders managed to use the elevator to bring 11 people up, but delayed further rescues until confirming the elevator’s safety.
The trapped group, including one tour employee, had access to water, chairs, and blankets during the ordeal and communicated with rescuers via radio.
Other rescue methods, such as ropes and harnesses, were also available. Mikesell mentioned this was the mine’s first major safety issue since 1986 when two people were briefly trapped without fatalities.
Governor Jared Polis deployed state emergency personnel and an elevator expert to assist with the rescue. In a statement, Polis expressed relief over the successful rescue and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
The mine, which has provided tours since the 1890s, was nearing the end of its tour season when the incident occurred.
