Tragedy struck at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, situated near Cripple Creek, Colorado, where one tourist died and 23 others were rescued following a severe elevator malfunction during guided tours. The incident occurred Thursday when the mine’s elevator, used to transport visitors about 1,000 feet below ground, experienced mechanical failure, leaving participants trapped underground for hours.
According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, two groups of participants were taking the tour when the elevator encountered issues around 500 feet down the shaft around noon. Out of those trapped, one individual perished, and the others were left to cope with the distressing situation underground.
Commenting on the ordeal, Sheriff Mikesell indicated, "We did have one fatality... This was due to equipment malfunction. The mine did not collapse." The tragic event prompted emergency services to spring to action, bringing together local and state agencies to assist with the rescue.
The first group consisted of 12 tourists, including two children. They were rescued after enduring six hours of uncertainty and cold temperatures, reported to be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). They were provided with basic supplies for comfort, including chairs, blankets, and water, as they used radios to communicate with rescuers.
Hours later, the second group was also brought back to the surface, completing the rescue operation around 7:45 p.m. Everyone was reported to be safe, though four individuals experienced minor injuries—primarily described as back and neck pains—during the ordeal.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed relief over the successful rescue. "I am relieved to know all the trapped individuals have been safely rescued. Our hearts go out to the family of the individual lost during this incident," he stated.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has operated as a tourist attraction for over 50 years, providing visitors with immersive experiences to learn about the historical gold mining industry. This facility, named after the first woman to strike gold in the Cripple Creek Gold Camp back in 1891, offers one-hour tours taking guests down through the historic mine.
While the mine has not reported any prior fatalities from accidents since 1986, the latest incident stands as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved with such operations. The facility was set to conclude its touring season this coming weekend.
Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety will seek to determine what caused the elevator malfunction. At the moment, it remains unclear whether the elevator's problems arose from equipment failure or operational errors.
Describing the unsettling scene, William Snare, who previously operated hoists at the mine, mentioned, "The lift typically takes about two minutes to descend and four to five minutes to return to the surface. It's one of the highlights for visitors—it feels like stepping back to the days of the gold rush. The elevator is akin to riding inside the cage of miners, which can be tight and claustrophobic at times."
The mine’s operators have reassured the public about safety measures. "We use funds from tours not just for profit but to maintain the mine safely for visitors," stated operators, highlighting their commitment to ensuring such incidents do not affect future operations.
This incident has not only rattled the community but has also raised awareness around the safety conditions prevalent at tourist attractions utilizing older mechanical systems for operations. "While this has been tragic, we're thankful for all the first responders who helped facilitate the rescue and reached everyone safely," Sheriff Mikesell concluded.
Both locals and visitors alike are now left to contemplate the events of the day, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols and vigilance at sites where such equipment is employed. With the mine scheduled to remain closed for the season, it brings with it questions about future operations as families recover from this catastrophic accident.
