One dead and 12 trapped 1,000ft underground in former Colorado gold mine

11 October 2024, 02:51

One person is dead and 12 are trapped 1,000ft underground after a lift malfunctioned at a former Colorado gold mine.

A rescue effort is under way for the visitors who remain stuck underground at the site, Governor Jared Polis’ office said.

People became trapped due to an equipment malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek, but the mine did not collapse, according to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office and the governor’s office.

The mine opened in the 1800s and was closed in the 1960s, but still operates tours.

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The mine’s website describes a one-hour tour in which visitors descend 100 stories into the Earth. It says visitors can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.

Mr Polis said in a statement that the state was sending resources for the rescue effort.

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

Cripple Creek is a town of about 1,100 people located south west of Colorado Springs.