UPDATE: One person killed, 12 still trapped in Cripple Creek mine

The full press conference can be viewed in the video player above.

UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 4:39 p.m.

(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, one person was killed and 12 others remain trapped 1,000 feet underground following an elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Mine near Cripple Creek.

During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Mikesell said about 500 feet into the mine, a malfunction in the elevator system created a “severe danger” for those on board. Once rescue and law enforcement arrived, they were able to rescue 11 people trapped at the halfway point in the elevator shaft. The 11 people who were onboard are reportedly okay, including two children, however, one person died during the incident at the 500-foot depth.

Sheriff Mikesell could not provide any details on the fatality or how it occurred.

In addition to the 11 people who were rescued, 12 remain trapped at the 1,000-foot depth, one of whom is a mine tour employee. Sheriff Mikesell said everyone trapped in the mine is reportedly safe and in good condition, and communication has been established via radios.

Sheriff Mikesell said in the event that the elevator cannot be returned to working condition, due to damage sustained in the initial incident, there are plans in place to get the 12 people out, which includes a rope and harness system.

CSFD, Governor’s Office respond to incident at Mollie Kathleen Mine

UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 3:28 p.m.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is sending rescue crews to assist at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, and Governor Jared Polis’ office is directing state resources to help.

According to CSFD , several heavy rescue and high-angle teams were responding to the mine near Cripple Creek on Thursday afternoon.

Also on Thursday, the Governor’s Office was the first entity to confirm to FOX21 News that there were people trapped in the mine.

“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort,” said Gov. Polis. “The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation.”

Resources being provided by the state include; a Field Manager from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on the scene, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated and supporting resource requests, a mine rescue team from the Department of Natural Resources is en-route, and the Department of Labor and Employment has a conveyances inspector also on the way.

TCSO to host media briefing at Mollie Kathleen Mine

UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 2:12 p.m.

According to TCSO , the incident that occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Mine was due to an equipment failure, and TCSO stressed that the mine did not collapse.

Cripple Creek officials and TCSO will provide an update to media at 4:30 p.m., and FOX21 News will be in attendance. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY: Teller County Sheriff responding to “incident” at mine

THURSDAY 10/10/2024 2:01 p.m.

The Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) confirmed to FOX21 News that it was responding to an “incident” at the Mollie Kathleen Mine near Cripple Creek.

TCSO said the incident occurred Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10. TCSO would not confirm what had happened or if anyone was injured.

FOX21 News has a crew on the way to the scene, where more information will be provided to media. Check back here for updates.

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