23 rescued, one dead after elevator malfunctions at Colorado gold mine attraction

One person was killed on Thursday and other people were injured after an incident at a former Colorado gold mine left 23 people stranded following an elevator malfunction at approximately 500 feet beneath the surface, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek, according to the Associated Press. It is not clear how the person died, and no details on the person have been released so far, but Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the death was a result of a “tragic accident.”

The update comes after 12 people were trapped at the bottom of the former gold mine. The people were finally rescued at 7 p.m. local time. 11 had been rescued earlier in the evening.

Mikesell said authorities are still trying to contact the family of the person who was killed, and a full investigation was needed to find out what went wrong, according to NBC News.

"Accidents happen when dealing with this kind of machinery," Mikesell said.

Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said he is aware of the situation and the state is sending resources, including an elevator expert, to the site to help out.

“I am saddened to learn of the loss of a life in this tragic accident and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones during this difficult time,"  Polis said in a statement. "While we are still gathering information, the State of Colorado is doing everything in our power to support local authorities and ensure the safe rescue of those who are still in the mine. 

"I have been in close contact with local authorities and continue to monitor the situation closely as we direct state resources to support the swift and safe resolution of this unfortunate event."

The gold mine was closed down in 1961, but still gives tours. The tours use the elevators to plunge 1,000 feet below where guests can view gold streams in the rocks. The last time it had a safety issue was the 1980s, but Misksell did not include details on what happened.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.