DENVER (AP) — A tragic accident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado, leading to the death of a tour guide, injuries to four others, and a group of 12 people trapped underground for hours. The incident involved an elevator malfunction as it descended 1,000 feet beneath the surface near Colorado Springs.
The elevator operator stopped the descent at around 500 feet after feeling something unusual. The passengers were safely brought back up within 20 minutes, but a door on the elevator was found broken. The exact cause of the malfunction is still under investigation.
The victim, Patrick Weier, 46, tragically lost his life due to the elevator’s mechanical issue. Eleven other passengers on the elevator during the accident sustained minor injuries. Another group of twelve individuals was trapped underground for six hours before being safely hoisted up in groups of four.
Elevator accidents in mines are rare, according to mining engineering experts. Modern elevators are equipped with fail-safe devices to prevent major accidents in case of cable failure. The Mollie Kathleen Mine had made changes to its elevator system in 1988 to accommodate more passengers.
The mine, a popular tourist attraction, has been in operation for generations and is required to undergo daily inspections for safety compliance. The last inspection date for the mine was not immediately available.
The owners of the mine expressed their condolences and appreciation for the emergency responders. The mine will remain closed until further notice as investigations by local and state authorities, as well as federal agencies, continue.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was first discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner. Visitors to the mine can experience a one-hour tour, witnessing veins of gold in the rock and riding an underground tram.
The community of Cripple Creek, where the mine is located, has come together in support of those affected by the accident. The safety of tourists and employees remains a top priority as authorities work to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
