CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.—One person died during an elevator malfunction at an inactive gold mine in Colorado. Twelve tourists, including two children, were rescued after being trapped over 1,000 feet underground for six hours at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Colorado. The ordeal, which began with an elevator malfunction, ended safely on Thursday evening after crews repaired the elevator, local officials said.
Elevator Malfunction Triggers Colorado Gold Mine Rescue
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine accident occurred when the elevator, carrying 11 tourists and a guide, became stuck midway down the mine shaft. Another group had just exited when the malfunction happened. The Teller County Sheriff’s Office reported that the malfunction stranded 12 individuals deep underground while first responders and rescue teams worked to resolve the situation.
Emergency crews, including the Colorado Springs Fire Department, responded quickly, preparing for a potential harness rescue that would have required lifting individuals to the surface one by one. Fortunately, repairs to the elevator were completed before the harness plan was needed.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell noted that the trapped group remained in good spirits throughout the ordeal. “They’re all in good spirits. We fed them pizza. That’s what they wanted,” Mikesell said.
Fatality and Injuries in Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Incident
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine accident was not without tragedy. One person from the earlier tour group died, and four others sustained minor injuries when the elevator first malfunctioned, Mikesell confirmed. The Sheriff did not provide details on the cause of death but stated that the deceased was part of the initial group on the elevator when it broke down.
Out of consideration for those trapped below, authorities chose not to inform them of the fatality. “We didn’t want to add anxiety to an already difficult situation,” Mikesell explained.
Emergency Teams Mobilized
Rescue crews arrived on-site almost immediately, equipped with specialized training for such emergencies. They established radio contact with the trapped tourists, ensuring they had blankets, chairs, and water while waiting for the elevator to be repaired. The Colorado Springs Fire Department’s rescue squad, known for its expertise in underground rescues, stood ready in case more extreme measures were necessary.
Mikesell praised the coordinated efforts of the emergency personnel, stating, “This could have been a much more complicated operation, but thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, everyone came out safe.”
A Historical Site with Few Incidents
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has long been a popular tourist destination in Cripple Creek, about 45 miles from Colorado Springs. Since opening to visitors more than 50 years ago, the family-owned business has offered daily tours that provide insight into the region’s gold mining history. The mine was originally discovered in 1891 by Mollie Kathleen Gortner, whose legacy lives on through these tours.
Mines, by nature, pose risks, but the Mollie Kathleen mine has experienced only one previous significant safety issue. In 1986, a minor malfunction trapped people in the elevator, though no injuries occurred. Temperatures inside the mine typically hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), providing relatively mild conditions for those trapped.
Thursday’s incident happened just days before the last tour of the season, scheduled for Sunday. Despite the tragedy, officials emphasized the mine’s strong safety record over its decades of operation.
Questions Surround Safety Protocols
In the wake of the malfunction and fatality, questions have arisen about the mine’s safety protocols. Some tourists voiced concerns about the reliability of the aging infrastructure. “It was scary thinking something like that could happen,” said one visitor who had taken a tour earlier that day. “You don’t expect something like this at a place that’s been running tours for decades.”
Investigations are expected to follow, but Mikesell stressed that preliminary reports indicate no foul play or serious safety lapses. The family-run operation has long prided itself on safety and plans to thoroughly review the incident, officials stated.
Conclusion
While the safe recovery of the 12 individuals brings some relief, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of underground mining operations—even those no longer active. As Colorado Gold Mine rescue operations concluded, Sheriff Mikesell commended the courage and calm shown by both tourists and rescuers, adding, “It’s a sad day for those who lost someone, but we’re grateful we were able to avoid further tragedy.”
The mine remains closed for the rest of the season as officials review safety measures and investigate the cause of the malfunction.
