Trapped people were safely rescued from the Mollie Kathleen gold mine near Cripple Creek

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is working again and rescuers have safely brought up the 12 people trapped 1,000 feet inside the mine, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) .

Officials' latest update following the rescue of all parties can be viewed below:

Colorado Governor Jared Polis also confirmed the rescue on Thursday evening, saying:
“I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the person who died in this incident. I thank Teller County and Sheriff Mikesell and his team, as well as other local and state government law enforcement agencies and first responders, for their rapid response and tireless efforts, including members of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of homeland security and emergency management. Thanks to this collective effort, each of these people will return home safely.”

TCSO responded to what was initially described as a serious incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek on Thursday afternoon.

12 people were trapped 1,000 feet underground after an “equipment failure.” Officials told ABC that the people were part of a tour group and were stuck near the bottom of the Molly Kathleen Mine.

Eleven other people were rescued early in the incident.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office held a press conference Thursday afternoon to provide the latest information on the situation at the time. This press conference can be viewed below:

TCSO confirmed one person is dead. In the first incident, 4 people were injured. Two children were involved and were among the eleven children initially rescued.

Teller County commissioners confirmed early in the incident that they were working with the governor, who was sending resources. Specifically, the state sent a field manager from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to the scene. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated and supported resource requests. A mine rescue team from the Ministry of Natural Resources and a transport inspector from the Ministry of Labor and Employment were also deployed.

TCSO said the incident was due to an equipment malfunction and reiterated that the mine did not collapse.

“I have spoken with the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will remain in touch as this rescue operation progresses. The state is supporting Teller County and providing resources to save the mine's residents. We will do everything possible and help the county ensure a quick and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis at the start of the incident.

Later, after learning of the mine death, Governor Polis released the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the loss of life in this tragic accident and my condolences go out to the family and loved ones at this difficult time. While we are still gathering information, the State of Colorado is doing everything in its power to assist local authorities and ensure the safe rescue of those still inside the mine. “I am in close contact with local authorities and continue to closely monitor the situation as we deploy state resources to support the quick and safe resolution of this unfortunate event,” said Governor Polis.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) also provided mutual aid for the rescue. Heavy Rescue 17, Collapse 17, Supply 17, Battalion Chiefs 1 and 4, and Height Rescue 5 and 13 all responded from the CSFD.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is an old gold mine just outside Cripple Creek, where today you can pay to visit the abandoned mine underground.