One dead, twelve rescued from Colorado gold mine

Twelve people trapped 300 metres underground in a former Colorado gold mine, that was turned into a tourist attraction, were rescued after six hours on Thursday. 

One person died following an elevator failure at the site which led to the people being trapped, officials said.

Responders were able to get the elevator functioning again and brought up the trapped people - 11 tourists and one tour guide - four at a time, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell told reporters.

The incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine attraction in Cripple Creek, Colorado, began when an elevator that was about halfway down the mine shaft malfunctioned, resulting in the one death and four minor injuries, officials said.

Emergency responders had radio communication with the people trapped below, and they had water, blankets and chairs to keep them comfortable, Mikesell said.