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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

State considering closing Jefferson County mine shafts, caves

State and city officials say it is past time to put closures in place in and around caves in Jefferson County after crews rescued a stranded teen Monday.

The rescue took place just west of Highway 93 in a subdivision near Golden.

Officials say two teens were exploring a cave along a hogback when rocks began shifting. One teen was seriously injured. The other teen was able to climb out and call for help.

"Caves have been created by weather and time," said Deb Zuck, Reclamation Agent. "We try to GPS all of the openings--both caves and mines--and as well, offer property owners free closure of the dangerous openings in and along the hog-backs."

With dangerous gases, rock formations, and very dark conditions, the experts say exploring the mines and caves is dangerous at any level.

Source: Fox59 (click for video report)