One person is dead and a dozen others remain trapped underground after an equipment failure in a Colorado gold mine, officials said.
Officials said the individuals were part of a tour group and that they became stuck near the bottom of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek around 1 p.m. MDT on Thursday.
Teller Counter Sheriff Jason Mikesell said one person had died in the incident, and that 12 people are still stuck in the mine shaft.
Eleven others have been rescued so far, he said, including two children.
People were trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Teller County, Colo., Oct. 10, 2024.
KRDO
Officials said there were injuries. Local hospital UCHealth said they had received six patients, three of whom have already been treated and released.
Mikesell said it is not yet clear when the people who are still stuck underground will get out, but said they are all safe.
The mine, which is about 1,000-feet deep, is a popular tourist destination.
Multiple agencies, including search and rescue teams, are responding to the incident with heavy equipment.
In a statement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was monitoring the situation and sending state resources to assist in rescue efforts.
“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort,” Polis said. “The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine.”
“We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Polis added.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Officials in Colorado have reported a tragic incident at a gold mine that has left one person dead and 12 others currently trapped underground. The incident occurred at the Lucky Strike Mine, located in a remote area of the state.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a section of the mine collapsed, trapping the workers inside. Rescue efforts are currently underway to try and free the trapped individuals, but the difficult terrain and unstable conditions are making the operation challenging.
The deceased individual has been identified as a 45-year-old miner who was working at the site at the time of the collapse. The identities of the trapped individuals have not been released, but officials are working diligently to ensure their safety and well-being.
The Lucky Strike Mine is a small-scale operation that has been in operation for several years. It is owned by a local mining company that specializes in extracting gold from the surrounding rock formations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that miners face on a daily basis. Mining is a hazardous occupation, with risks of cave-ins, explosions, and other accidents always present. It also highlights the importance of strict safety regulations and protocols to ensure the well-being of workers in these dangerous environments.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency personnel working around the clock to free the trapped individuals. The community has come together to support the families of those affected by this tragedy, offering prayers and assistance in any way they can.
As more information becomes available, officials will continue to update the public on the situation at the Lucky Strike Mine. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we hope for a swift and successful rescue operation to bring the trapped individuals to safety.
