Colorado gold mine update: Trapped tourists rescued after one person dies in Mollie Kathleen accident

The twelve people left stranded 1,000 feet deep into a Colorado gold mine have been brought to safety after the horrific incident killed one person. 

A malfunction with the elevator system inside the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek killed the unidentified person and left 12 others trapped. 

On Thursday evening officials managed to repair the elevator system and bring those left inside the mine to the surface, eleven of which were tourists. 

At an earlier press conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of the one person. 

He said that rescue teams arrived and managed to pull eleven people to safety who were stuck at the halfway point in the shaft, while the twelve remained stranded. 

At an earlier press conference, Sheriff Jason Mikesell with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of the one person

According to the Sheriff, a malfunction with the elevator system created a ‘severe danger’ for those aboard while they were 500 feet into the mine. 

He said that at least four people suffered minor injuries which included back and neck pain and  were treated at the scene. 

After the rescue, Teller County Sheriff’s Office said that all of the remaining 12 had been uninjured. 

Authorities had said earlier that those stuck at the bottom had blankets, chairs, waters and means of communicating with the rescue teams at the surface.  

Colorado Springs Fire Department confirmed the successful rescue, saying: ‘We are thrilled to hear all 12 people who were still inside the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine have been safely rescued. 

‘We’re grateful for the work of all 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. 

First responders are seen here working the scene following the incident on Thursday afternoon

According to the Sheriff, a malfunction with the elevator system created a ‘severe danger’ for those aboard while they were 500 feet into the mine

The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but has continued to offer tours which take people 100 stories deep into the earth

According to the Mollie Kathleen website, the last day of the tours for the season was due to be this Sunday

‘Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident.’

The mine, which is a tourist attraction, officially closed in the 1960s but has continued to offer tours which take people 100 stories deep into the earth. 

According to the company website the tour involves a two minute ride down into the mine where tourists can walk a quarter mile of underground terrain. 

According to the Mollie Kathleen website, the last day of the tours for the season was due to be this Sunday.