Elevator Malfunction at Colorado Gold Mine Results in Fatality and Rescue Operation

At least one individual has died and 23 others have been rescued following an elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, which has been repurposed as a tourist attraction. The incident occurred on Thursday as two groups, each comprising 12 participants, were touring the mine.

The participating groups were approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters) underground when the elevator, according to officials, experienced a mechanical failure around 500 feet below the surface. This mishap left one group trapped for up to six hours while rescue efforts were underway.

In the first group, one fatality was reported, alongside four minor injuries. “We did have one fatality that occurred during this issue at 500 feet,” stated Teller County Sheriff, Jason Mikesell. Further details about the deceased individual were not released. The sheriff underscored the severe danger posed by the elevator’s malfunction.

Authorities, including search and rescue teams employing heavy equipment, facilitated the operation to retrieve those stranded. Among the trapped individuals was a member of the family operating the mine, who reportedly possessed mine rescue experience.

Communication with the group remaining near the bottom of the mine was maintained using radios. “They have chairs, blankets, water and are at a safe temperature,” assured Sheriff Mikesell, adding that although the elevator had malfunctioned, no collapse of the mine occurred.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed relief at the successful rescue operation, “I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued,” he stated, extending condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Local authorities have confirmed that the last significant incident at the site occurred in 1986.

The Mollie Kathleen Mine, historically named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, the first woman to strike gold in the 1800s, now operates as a historical tour site. The tours take visitors deep into the earth along shafts which offer glimpses of gold veins. Descent via elevator is described on the mine’s website as a two-minute ride, equating to approximately 500 feet per minute.

Despite this incident, the website notes that revenue from tours goes towards maintaining the mine in a “safe, operable mining condition.” With the tours set to conclude for the season this Sunday, questions regarding future safety measures have surfaced amidst ongoing investigations into the malfunction’s cause.