The sheriff's office has yet to determine the cause, but early indications suggest an issue with the elevator doors, according to Sheriff Mikesell.

The elevator, which was descending at the time, experienced a critical failure, prompting the surface operator to halt its descent and recall the car. Sheriff Mikesell stated that it remains unclear whether the elevator dropped during the malfunction. Among those affected was Weier, who was with a group of 11 individuals. They were swiftly rescued from the compromised elevator, though more complications ensued.

In a separate but related incident, another group of 12 people, including a tour guide, found themselves trapped 1,000 feet underground for nearly seven hours. The case has garnered attention from both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which are conducting their own investigations.

In a statement on its website, mine officials announced that the attraction is closed until further notice. Sheriff Mikesell commended the tour company owners for their assistance during the emergency, expressing hope that the mine will reopen after ensuring all safety measures are met. "This family that runs that tourist operation, they're good people. They've been doing it for at least 60 years and this was just a tragic event," he said.

Incidentally, this was to be the final weekend the mine would operate for the season, Sheriff Mikesell added.