An gear failure at a former Colorado gold mine has left one particular person lifeless and a dozen others trapped, authorities stated Thursday.
The elevator descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which now operates as a vacationer web site, close to the city of Cripple Creek, had a mechanical situation round 500ft (152 meters) beneath the floor. It created a “extreme hazard for the individuals” and one particular person was killed, Jason Mikesell, the Teller county sheriff, stated at a press convention.
Crews had been in a position to rescue 11 individuals, however 12 individuals are nonetheless on the backside of the mine, about 1,000ft (305 meters) deep. They’re in secure circumstances and in communication with authorities, stated Mikesell. Rescuers are working to get the elevator again on-line.
The sheriff stated they may rescue the trapped group by rope if mandatory, however had been hoping to get the elevator system working.
Mikesell stated the final time there was an incident was 1986.
The mine opened within the 1800s and was closed within the Sixties however nonetheless operates excursions. The mine’s web site describes a one-hour tour during which guests descend 100 tales into the earth. It says guests can see veins of gold within the rock and experience an underground tram.
The Colorado governor, Jared Polis, stated in an announcement that the state was sending sources for the rescue effort.
“We’ll do every thing attainable and help the county to make sure a speedy and secure decision of the state of affairs,” stated Polis.
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