1 dead, 23 rescued from Mollie Kathleen mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado mine tourist attraction, including 12 trapped 1,000 feet underground

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colorado – Twelve people were rescued after several hours trapped underground following an equipment failure at a Colorado gold mine, authorities said.

Authorities said the individuals were part of a tour group and were trapped near the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek around 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday.

The mine, which is about 300 meters deep, is a popular tourist destination.

Authorities said there were injuries and two children were involved. One person also died in that initial incident, authorities said. Eleven people were rescued from the elevator shortly after the initial mechanical failure.

People were trapped at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Teller County, Colorado, on October 10, 2024.

KRDO

Multiple agencies, including search and rescue teams, responded to the incident with heavy equipment. Just before 6:45 p.m. MDT, police said the mine’s elevator was working again and rescuers safely rescued all 12 people trapped underground.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released a statement, saying, “I have spoken with the Teller County Sheriff and county commissioners and will remain in contact throughout this rescue effort,” Polis said. “The state is helping Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine.” I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen mine were safely rescued. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident. I thank Teller County and Sheriff Mikesell and his team, as well as other local and state government law enforcement and first responders for their quick response and tireless efforts, including members of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Thanks to this collaborative effort, each of these individuals will return home safely.”

The last incident at the site was in 1986.

ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.