Authorities have confirmed that one person has died and 12 more remain trapped 1,000 feet underground following a malfunction at a former gold mine in Colorado that now serves as a tourist site.

Rescue operations are currently in progress at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which is located near Cripple Creek, approximately 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. This incident happened around noon when a mechanical failure in the elevator shaft resulted in a serious danger, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, who spoke at a news briefing on Thursday.

During the incident, the tour group was about 500 feet below ground level. Eleven individuals, including two children and four people who suffered minor injuries, have been safely rescued using a trolley system. Mikesell confirmed that at least one person lost their life but provided no specifics regarding the circumstances of the death.

The 12 individuals still in the mine, which included a mine employee, were reported to be at a depth of 1,000 feet. The sheriff indicated that they were in contact with rescue teams and had access to essentials like drinking water, chairs, and blankets.

“They are safe where they are, along with one of the mine workers,” said Mikesell. “We are investigating what went wrong with the elevator system and are working on getting them out using the elevator.”

As rescue teams focus on restoring the elevator system, Mikesell also noted that a rope rescue team from the Colorado Springs Fire Department is at the scene to assist.

In an update released Thursday night, Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that state personnel were already on-site and that additional support was on the way to help local authorities assess the situation.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in this tragic incident, and my thoughts are with the family and friends affected during this hard time,” said Polis. “While we are still gathering facts, the State of Colorado is committed to assisting local agencies to ensure the safety of those still inside the mine.”

What is the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine?

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine was opened in the 1800s and ceased operations in 1961, yet it continues to host tours, as noted on the mine’s official site.

“Instead of closing the mine entirely, we decided to offer tours,” the mine’s website explains. “Revenue from these tours was utilized to maintain the mine in a safe and operable condition.”

Visitors can take one-hour guided tours that involve descending 100 stories underground, viewing gold veins in the mine, and experiencing an underground tram ride, based on information from the mine’s site.

Mikesell mentioned that the mine is a “tourist destination that showcases the mining process,” highlighting that it is a family-owned establishment that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

He also remarked that the last reported incident at the mine occurred in the 1980s.

This story has been updated to reflect new information and to correct errors.