One dead, 12 trapped during tour of Colorado mine after equipment malfunctions
One person was killed, 12 people were trapped and 11 others were rescued from a Colorado mine after a tourist attraction suffered a “mechanical malfunction” during tours, authorities said Thursday.
The incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Cripple Creek, which has been closed for mining, but is still moving about 1,000 feet underground, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said.
During the day, there was a mechanical problem with the elevator that takes visitors into the mine, causing danger to passengers, authorities said.
“They’re safe at 1,000 feet,” Sheriff Jason Mikesell said of those trapped. “They don’t know we’ve had a problem other than there’s a problem with the elevator.”
AURORA POLICE DENY TREN DE ARAGUA TEAM ‘TOOK’ THE CITY AT THE EVENT: ‘NOT A MATTER OF GUESTS’
Entrance to the Mollie Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek, Colo. Historic mining town south of Colorado Springs. Visitors flock here to learn about the area’s Gold Rush heritage and experience a slice of the infamous Wild West. (Nina Raingold/Getty Images)
“They drink water. They have chairs,” he added. “They have blankets. They have what they need for now.”
11 people, including two children, were rescued using a cart. Four of them suffered minor injuries, and an unidentified person died about 500 meters down the mine.
Authorities were waiting for state engineers to inspect the elevator to see if it was safe to return guests trapped at the top.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he is aware of the situation.
Tours are open from May to the second weekend in October.
IDAHO HUNTER BITTEN BY GRAZZLY DESCRIBES ATTACK ‘STUNNING’
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour is a popular tourist attraction. (Google Maps)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“I have spoken with the Teller County Sheriff and the County Commissioner and will continue to contact them as this rescue effort continues,” he said in a statement. “The state is assisting Teller County and sending rescue services to those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation.”
Source link
