Rescue mission underway after faulty elevator accident inside Colorado gold mine incident kills 1, leaves 12 trapped underground

An elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, left one person dead while 12 people who were trapped 1,000 feet (300 meters) underground for six hours were rescued, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement.

The incident occurred around 500 feet underground when an elevator carrying one tour group malfunctioned halfway down the mine shaft. Simultaneously, another group was already at the bottom of the mine, about 1,000 feet down. Authorities maintained radio contact with those trapped below, who had access to water, blankets, and chairs.

Emergency responders managed to rescue 11 passengers, with four individuals sustaining minor injuries. However, details about the deceased victim and the cause of the elevator failure were not provided by officials.

Firefighters and safety experts were on site, evaluating the safest rescue method. According to Sheriff Mikesell, while using the elevator for rescue remained the safest option, they also prepared for a potential rope rescue. He stated, "If we have to, we can bring people up on those ropes, but it also subjects those first responders now to the threat and endangerment of doing so."

The family-operated mine, located 110 miles south of Denver, has been operational for 50 years, with only one previous safety incident reported in 1986.