At least one person has died and 12 are still trapped in an abandoned Colorado gold mine after equipment failed, officials said.
People who are part of a tour group are trapped under the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek.
“There is an elevator issue that needs to be resolved before they can be addressed,” Sheriff Jason Mike told reporters.
The mine has been attracting tourists for over 50 years. The hour-long tour takes visitors 1,000 ft (305m) down the crater on the southwest side of Pikes Peak, according to the tour company’s website.
Emergency workers have already rescued 11 people. At least four have minor injuries.
Officials are in full contact with the 12 others who are still in custody, Sheriff Mike said.
“They have chairs, blankets, water and are at the right temperature,” he said. “This was caused by a mechanical malfunction. The mine did not collapse.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said state resources have been allocated to help with rescue efforts.
“We will do everything possible and help the region to ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation,” Governor Polis said.
According to the travel company’s website, entering a mine is comparable to riding an elevator.
The ride itself takes two minutes at a speed of 500 ft per minute (about 5 mph),
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