Twelve individuals were rescued late Thursday night after being trapped for approximately six hours at the bottom of a former Colorado gold mine due to an elevator malfunction, authorities reported. Unfortunately, one person lost their life in the incident.
The elevator malfunction occurred as it was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, creating a dangerous situation for those involved, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated. The trapped individuals, all adults, were about 1,000 feet below ground but were safe and had access to water. They remained in communication with authorities via radios while awaiting rescue.
Following their rescue, the individuals were described as being in good spirits. Authorities provided them with pizza and briefed them on the situation. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown, and an investigation is ongoing. Engineers worked to ensure the elevator was safe before bringing the stranded visitors back up.
The incident occurred during the final week of the mine’s operating season before it closes for winter. Earlier in the day, 11 other individuals were rescued from the elevator, with four sustaining minor injuries. The elevator typically travels at a speed of 500 feet per minute, according to the mine’s website.
This is not the first incident involving the elevator, with the last one reported in the 1980s. Mines operating as tourist attractions in Colorado are required to conduct daily inspections of their facilities and transportation systems.
Governor Jared Polis dispatched state resources, including a mine rescue team, to assist in the rescue operation. Cripple Creek, located in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Colorado Springs, is home to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which opened in the 1800s and offers tours to visitors.
The mine’s website highlights a one-hour tour where visitors can descend 1,000 feet underground, view gold veins in the rock, and ride an underground tram. The discovery of the mine site is credited to a woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891.
While the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are working to ensure the safety of visitors to the mine and prevent similar accidents in the future. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance in potentially hazardous environments.
