One person was killed and 12 people remain trapped inside a Colorado gold mine after the elevator malfunctioned, causing “a severe danger” during a tour Thursday, sheriff officials said.
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 at around noon, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said during a press conference streamed by FOX21 News.
One person died, and four people suffered minor injuries during the elevator issue, he added.
Authorities have already rescued 11 people — including two children — from the elevator, while 11 tourists and one mine staffer are stuck 1,000 feet down underground as officials work to ensure the elevator is safe to use again.
The trapped group is safe with drinking water, chairs and blankets, according to the sheriff.
Officials have not released details about the person killed, including their identity or how they died.
Rescuers hope to get the elevator back up to working condition to bring the trapped tourists to safety.
If it cannot be fixed, a rope and harness system will be deployed to bring each person up from the depths of the mine.
The gold mine located in Cripple Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, closed operations in the 1960s but remains open as a tourist attraction.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said the state is sending resources to help the local teams bring the people to safety.
“We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” he said in a statement.