By Twelve people were safely rescued Thursday night after being trapped for hours deep within the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, Colorado, following a tragic elevator malfunction that claimed one life. The incident at the popular tourist attraction prompted a complex rescue operation and raised questions about safety measures at such facilities.
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell reported that the elevator encountered mechanical problems approximately 500 feet below the surface, creating what he described as a “severe danger for the participants.” The malfunction resulted in one fatality, though details about the victim and the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.
The twelve survivors were stranded about 1,000 feet underground for several hours. Sheriff Mikesell confirmed they remained in communication with authorities throughout the ordeal and had access to water. The air quality in their location was reported as good, helping to maintain calm among the trapped individuals.
Rescue efforts focused initially on attempting to restore the elevator to working order. “We want to inspect it, make sure it’s safe before bringing them back up with it,” Mikesell explained. Authorities also prepared alternative rescue plans, including the possibility of extracting the group by rope if necessary.
The incident, reported to authorities around noon, involved a total of 24 people. Eleven individuals who were on the elevator at the time of the malfunction were successfully rescued earlier, with four sustaining minor injuries. The nature of these injuries and the specific mechanical issues with the elevator were not elaborated upon.
Governor Jared Polis announced that the state was dispatching resources to assist in the rescue operation, including a specialized mine rescue team. “We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Polis stated.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a former active gold mine that now operates as a tourist attraction, offers visitors the opportunity to descend 1,000 feet into the earth for a one-hour tour. The site, discovered in 1891 by Mollie Kathleen Gortner, closed as an active mine in 1961 but continues to conduct tours, allowing visitors to see gold veins in the rock and ride an underground tram.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols at such tourist sites. Colorado regulations require daily inspections of mines operating as tourist attractions, including their transportation systems. However, Sheriff Mikesell was unable to confirm the date of the last inspection at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.
