In a tragic incident at a historic gold mine in Colorado, one person lost their life while 23 others were successfully rescued after a lift failure stranded them underground for several hours. This unfortunate event unfolded during the popular Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour, where visitors descend about 300 meters into the earth, deep within the western US state.
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office reported that 11 individuals, including two children, found themselves confined in the lift when the malfunction occurred. As a result of this severe mishap, one person perished, and four others sustained minor injuries during the ordeal.
The same lift that malfunctioned ultimately facilitated the ascent for the 11 stranded visitors, according to details released by the sheriff’s office. Additionally, another group of 12 individuals, who had become stranded in a tunnel at the mine’s base, were “safely rescued,” as confirmed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis through a post on social media platform X.
“I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident,” Governor Polis expressed. He extended his gratitude to Sheriff Mikesell and his team, along with other law enforcement personnel involved in the rescue effort. “Your bravery and dedication are commendable.”
The trapped tour group and a mine employee endured approximately six hours underground, Sheriff Mikesell shared during a press briefing post-rescue. After engineers and local authorities certified that the lift was operational, the 12 individuals stranded in the tunnel were gradually brought to safety in groups of four, he added.
Emergency responders, equipped with ropes, stood by throughout the rescue effort, prepared to assist as needed. Inside the mine, those held captive were provided with essentials like chairs, blankets, and water to ensure their comfort during the distressing situation.
“The atmospherics are good inside the tunnel,” Sheriff Mikesell reassured earlier in the day. It’s worth noting that the individuals trapped had yet to be informed of the fatality resulting from the mishap. “We’re just trying to keep spirits up, so nobody panics,” the sheriff explained, emphasizing the necessity to maintain calm among those still below ground.
The mine itself lies close to the quaint city of Cripple Creek, roughly 160 kilometers south of Denver. It touts an immersive introduction to “The Old West,” allowing visitors to experience the life of hard rock gold miners in what is often referred to as “The World’s Greatest Gold Camp,” according to the mine’s promotional literature.
In light of this accident, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour has announced it would remain “closed until further notice,” labeling the incident as “tragic” on the official website. As officials continue to assess the situation, concerns about safety protocols and equipment are likely to remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding the mine’s future operations.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
