At least one person has died and 12 others remain trapped in an abandoned Colorado gold mine after equipment failed, officials say.
The individuals who are part of a tour group are stranded near the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek.
“There’s an elevator issue that needs to be resolved before we can bring them in,” Sheriff Jason Mike told reporters.
The mine has been a tourist attraction for over 50 years. The hour-long tour takes visitors 1,000 feet deep into the well on the southwest side of Pikes Peak, according to the tour company’s website.
Rescuers have already rescued 11 people. At least four of them are slightly injured.
Authorities are in full communication with the other 12 stranded people, Sheriff Mike said.
“They have chairs, blankets, water and are at a safe temperature,” he said. “This was due to an equipment malfunction. The mine did not collapse. »
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said state resources had been allocated to help with rescue efforts.
“We will do everything we can and help the county ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Polis.
According to the travel agency’s website, entering the mine is like getting into an elevator.
The ride itself lasts two minutes at a speed of 500 feet per minute (about 5 mph),
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