Twelve tourists who were trapped inside a Colorado gold mine for several hours were rescued on Thursday after an elevator malfunctioned during a tour that killed one person, officials said.
The group was trapped after the elevator inside the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine – a family-owned business that offers tours to the public – experienced a mechanical issue at 500 feet deep around noon, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said during a press conference streamed by FOX21 News.
“I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident,” Governor Jared Polis said in a statement, also praising the swift response by state and local first responders and law enforcement.
“Thanks to this collaborative effort, each of these individuals will return home safely”
One person died, and four people suffered minor injuries during the elevator issue, the sheriff said.
Officials have not released details about the person killed, including their identity or how they died.
