Twelve Rescued from Colorado Gold Mine After Elevator Malfunction, One Person Dead

 

Twelve people were rescued from a former Colorado gold mine after a mechanical failure in an elevator left them trapped underground, resulting in one death and four injuries, authorities reported on Thursday.

The incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, a historic site now used for tours near Cripple Creek. The elevator malfunctioned around 500 feet (152 meters) below the surface, creating a dangerous situation for those trapped. According to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, the malfunction claimed one life and injured four others. The injured individuals, along with the deceased and six others, were safely brought out of the mine shortly after the accident.

A group of individuals remained trapped deeper in the mine, about 1,000 feet (305 meters) underground, for several hours while officials worked to determine how to rescue them. First responders considered alternative rescue methods, such as using ropes, but hoped to get the elevator functioning again. Mikesell noted that a similar incident occurred in 1986.

Authorities stayed in contact with the trapped group via radios, though details of the malfunction were not immediately shared to avoid panic. Sheriff Mikesell explained, "That’s because I want to keep people calm." The trapped individuals had access to water, and the atmosphere underground was reported to be safe. One of those trapped was an experienced family member involved in mine operations and trained in mine rescues.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis praised the efforts of first responders and confirmed the rescue. "I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen mine have been safely rescued," Polis said in a statement, offering condolences to the family and friends of the individual who lost their life.

The Mollie Kathleen gold mine, which dates back to the 19th century, closed in the 1960s and now operates as a tourist attraction. The tour, according to the mine's website, takes visitors about 100 stories down into the earth, where they can see bands of gold in the rock and ride an underground tram. The elevator ride to the bottom typically lasts two minutes, traveling at 500 feet per minute (approximately 5 mph).

This tragic incident marks a rare malfunction at the mine, which has provided educational tours for decades.