One person has died and 12 others are trapped 1,000 feet inside a Colorado gold mine following an equipment malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek. Sheriff Jason Mikesell confirmed the death and stated that a malfunction with the elevator system caused a ‘severe danger’ while rescuing the individuals. Eleven people have been rescued so far, with four suffering minor injuries. The trapped individuals have blankets, chairs, and water, and are communicating with rescue teams. The mine, a tourist attraction, closed in the 1960s but continued to offer tours, with the last day scheduled for the upcoming Sunday. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has pledged assistance to the rescue efforts and has dispatched a mine rescue team to assist in the mission. Various agencies including the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office are on the scene to help with the rescue. The incident has sparked a large-scale rescue operation and has drawn attention to the potential dangers of mining activities. The community has come together to support the trapped individuals and their families, with hopes for a speedy and safe resolution to the situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with mining operations and the importance of safety protocols in such environments.
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