1 dead, 12 people rescued after elevator malfunctions at historic Colorado gold mine

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - Emergency crews responded to a gold mine in Colorado for reports of people trapped after an elevator malfunctioned at the historical site.

The Teller County Sheriff’s Office said first responders were called to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine on Thursday afternoon.

The sheriff’s office confirmed one person died.

Teller County officials said 12 people were also stuck inside the mine, about 1,000 feet underground, Thursday evening before all being pulled up to safety.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the elevator had a mechanical issue around 500 feet beneath the surface that created a “severe danger for the participants.”

Authorities said the mine did not collapse, and the emergency calls were for an equipment malfunction at the site.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he had also been informed of the situation.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a historic site that was closed in the 1960s but it still offers tours to guests.

No one else was injured in the ordeal and 11 others were also assisted out of the mine earlier in the afternoon.

Sheriff Mikesell said the investigation remains ongoing into how the elevator malfunctioned.

Authorities did not immediately identify the person who died.