One person tragically lost their life and 12 individuals were successfully rescued after being stranded at the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado due to an elevator malfunction. The incident occurred when the elevator experienced a mechanical problem around 500 feet below the surface, posing a severe danger to those inside.
Authorities were alerted to the situation and promptly communicated with the trapped individuals, assuring them that help was on the way. The group, who were approximately 1,000 feet underground, had access to water and maintained contact with rescue teams via radios.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the malfunction. Engineers worked diligently to ensure the elevator's safety before bringing the stranded visitors back to the surface. In the event the elevator could not be fixed, contingency plans were in place to hoist the individuals up by rope.
While 12 adults were stuck at the bottom, 11 other individuals who were on the elevator at the time were successfully rescued. Four of them sustained minor injuries, although details on the nature of their injuries were not disclosed by the sheriff.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist attraction, was in its final week of the season before winter closure when the incident occurred. The mine, which offers tours allowing visitors to descend 1,000 feet underground, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s.
Colorado regulations mandate daily inspections of mines and their transportation systems for tourist operations. State resources, including a mine rescue team, were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Gov. Jared Polis mobilized additional support to aid in the operation. Cripple Creek, the town near the mine, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Colorado Springs.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891, showcases veins of gold in the rock and offers visitors an underground tram ride as part of its tour experience.
