One person was killed and at least four others were injured when an elevator malfunctioned at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado. The incident left a tour group and guides trapped hundreds of feet underground while workers repaired the elevator. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but it is known that the mine did not collapse. Twelve people who were trapped were safely brought back to the surface after being underground for more than six hours. The Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, expressed relief that those trapped had been rescued but also extended condolences to the family of the individual who was killed in the incident.
A total of seven patients were treated and released from a local hospital after the incident. The mine, which is about 1,000 feet deep, ceased operation in the 1960s but continued to offer tours. During the tour, guests and guides wear hard hats and take an elevator down for about two minutes before walking underground for a demonstration about gold mining. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated that those who were trapped had constant communication with people at the surface and were never in danger. The rescued individuals were provided with water, chairs, blankets, and even pizza after they returned to the surface.
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