1 dead, 12 trapped in former Colorado gold mine tourist site after elevator malfunction

A devastating accident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, where one individual has died and twelve others are trapped following an elevator malfunction. The local government, led by Governor Jared Polis, has launched a comprehensive rescue operation to assist those stranded underground. The Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that while an equipment failure occurred, the mine itself did not collapse, preventing a potentially worse situation. This tourist site, which has been offering tours since it closed in the 1960s, is currently in the spotlight due to the ongoing rescue efforts. Governor Polis emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring a safe and swift resolution, stating that all available resources would be mobilized for the rescue.

A press conference is scheduled later today to provide updates on the situation and the rescue operations. As the community watches anxiously, this incident underscores the risks associated with visiting historical sites that still operate as tourist attractions. Emergency responders are diligently working to reach the trapped individuals.