12 tourists rescued after they were trapped for hours inside Colorado gold mine

Twelve people were safely rescued Thursday night after being trapped for hours at the bottom of a former Colorado gold mine when an elevator malfunctioned at the tourist site, authorities said Thursday. One person died as a result of the incident.

The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near the town of Cripple Creek when it had a mechanical problem around 152 metres beneath the surface, creating a "severe danger for the participants," and one person was killed, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said at a mediaconference.

The twelve who were rescued were about 305 metres below ground. They were safe and in communication with authorities while waiting,and were in good spirits after they were rescued, Mikesell said.

Authorities gave them pizza once they were out and told them everything that had happened. While at the bottom, authorities had only told them there was an elevator problem.

Mikesell said during a nighttime briefing that authorities do not know yet what caused the malfunction and an investigation is underway. Engineers worked to make sure the elevator was working safely again before bringing the stranded visitors back up.

He declined to reveal the victim's name.

The incident happened during the final week of the site's season before it shuts down for the winter, Mikesell said.

The elevator accident was reported to authorities at about noon, the sheriff said.

Eleven people who were riding the elevator were rescued initially, Mikesell said. Four had minor injuries. The sheriff did not elaborate on how they were injured or the nature of the elevator's mechanical problems.

Authorities were in contact with trapped group

During the ordeal, authorities communicated with the trapped group using radios. They had access to water, and the atmosphere was considered good.

Among those trapped was a member of the family mining operation who has mine rescue experience, Mikesell said.

The elevator ride typically takes about two minutes, travelling about 152 metresper minute, according to the mine's website.

Mikesell said the last time there was an accident was in the 1980s but did not say what had happened.

Mines operated as tourist attractions in Colorado must designate someone to inspect the mines and the transportation systems daily, according to the state's Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Mikesell said he didn't know the date of the last inspection. Records of the inspections weren't immediately available online.