The rescue service had, after about seven hours, managed to retrieve all twelve people who were trapped 300 meters underground after the elevator malfunctioned at lunchtime.
The elevator encountered problems when it was on its way down, after reaching 150 meters below ground. The police have not provided any details about the accident, or how the person died in the malfunction, reports the newspaper The Denver Gazette.
The Mollie Kathleen mine was in active use until the 1960s. Since then, it has been a tourist destination where visitors are offered guided tours.
When the actual work of bringing up the trapped people began, it was unclear whether they would be lifted up with a rescue sling or if the elevator could be repaired and deemed safe. There were two children among the trapped. Four people are reported to have suffered neck and/or back pain.
During the seven hours underground, the trapped people had constant contact with the rescue service and, according to the local police, were in safety.
