One person has died and 12 people are trapped more than 1,000 feet underground in a Colorado gold mine, according to The Associated Press and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located east of Cripple Creek, Colo., did not collapse, according to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred due to what the sheriff described as “an equipment malfunction.”
Colorado Springs Fire Department said it responded to the incident after receiving a call about it around 1:30 p.m. local time.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said on the social platform X that he has spoken to the Teller County sheriff and county commissioners and that the state is sending resources to help local authorities.
“We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Polis said in a statement.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine was shut down in the 1960s but has since been utilized for tours.
