One dead, 12 rescued after being trapped 300m underground at US tourist attraction

Denver: Twelve people have been rescued after being trapped for hours at the bottom of a former Colorado gold mine when an elevator malfunctioned at the tourist site, authorities say.

One person died in the accident.

A police officer moves a barrier for an emergency vehicle at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado.Credit: AP

The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek when it had a mechanical problem around 152 meters beneath the surface, creating a “severe danger for the participants,” and one person was killed, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said at a press conference.

The twelve rescued were about 305 meters below ground. They were safe and in communication with authorities, while waiting, Mikesell said.

The accident was reported to authorities about noon (local time), the sheriff said. He declined to identify the victim or say how they died. Two children were involved, but it was unclear if they were among those who were among those rescued.

Among those trapped was a member of the family mining operation who has mine rescue experience, Mikesell said.

The elevator ride typically takes about two minutes, travelling about 152 metres per minute, according to the mine’s website.

Mikesell said the last time there was an incident was in the 1980s but did not say what had happened.

Cripple Creek is a town of about 1100 people located in the Rocky Mountains south-west of Colorado Springs.

The mine opened in the 1800s and closed in 1961, but still operates tours. Its website describes a one-hour tour in which visitors descend 1,000 feet into the earth. It says they can see veins of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram.

Emergency personnel stage outside the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.Credit: AP

A woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner discovered the site of the mine in 1891 when she saw quartz laced with gold, according to the company’s website.

AP