The twelve people who were stranded 1,000 feet down in a Colorado gold mine have been taken to safety after the horrific incident killed one person.
An elevator system malfunction inside the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek killed one unidentified person and left 12 others trapped.
On Thursday afternoon, officials managed to repair the elevator system and bring those left inside the mine to the surface, eleven of whom were tourists.
At an earlier news conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of one person.
He said rescue teams arrived and managed to bring to safety eleven people who were trapped at the midpoint of the well, while the twelve remained stranded.
On Thursday night, officials managed to repair the elevator system and bring those left inside the mine to the surface, eleven of whom were tourists.
At an earlier news conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of one person.
According to the Sheriff, a malfunction in the elevator system created a “serious danger” to those on board while they were 500 feet inside the mine.
He said at least four people suffered minor injuries including back and neck pain and were treated at the scene.
After the rescue, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said the remaining 12 were unharmed.
Authorities had previously said those trapped at the bottom had blankets, chairs, water and a means to communicate with rescue teams on the surface.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department confirmed the successful rescue, saying, “We are thrilled to learn that the 12 people who were still inside the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine have been safely rescued.”
‘We are grateful for the work of all the first responders who ensured the safety of those still inside.
“Our condolences go out to the family who lost a loved one tonight, please keep them in your prayers.”
While Governor Jared Polis said in a statement: ‘I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen mine have been safely rescued.
Here first responders are seen working the scene after the incident Thursday afternoon.
According to the Sheriff, a malfunction in the elevator system created a “serious danger” to those on board while they were 500 feet inside the mine.
The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s, but has continued to offer tours that take people 100 stories deep into the earth.
According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the last touring day of the season was due to be this Sunday.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the person lost in this incident.”
The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s, but has continued to offer tours that take people 100 stories deep into the earth.
According to the company’s website, the tour involves a two-minute drive to the mine, where tourists can walk a quarter-mile of underground terrain.
According to Mollie Kathleen’s website, the last touring day of the season was due to be this Sunday.