Colorado gold mine rescue: 12 rescued, 1 dead after elevator malfunctions at tourist site

Twelve people were safely rescued Thursday evening after being trapped for hours at the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, a tourist destination in Colorado, after an elevator malfunction killed one person, authorities said.

The incident occurred when the elevator experienced a mechanical problem descending into the mine near Cripple Creek, about 500 feet (150 meters) below the surface. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the malfunction posed a “significant danger to participants” and resulted in one fatality.

The twelve trapped people were about 305 meters underground. They remained in contact with authorities throughout the ordeal and were safely rescued hours later. Sheriff Mikesell said they were in good spirits when they were rescued and were even provided with pizza after they left the mine.

Authorities had initially informed the group that there was a problem with the elevator, but they waited until after the rescue to provide specific details about the situation.

Investigations are ongoing

Sheriff Mikesell noted during a press conference that the cause of the elevator malfunction remains unknown and an investigation is ongoing. Before bringing the group back to the surface, engineers ensured the elevator system was operating safely.

The identity of the deceased is not yet known. Mikesell also mentioned that 11 other people had been rescued earlier in the day, four of whom suffered minor injuries. However, no details were provided regarding the nature of these injuries or the specific mechanical problems with the elevator.

History and safety of the mine

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which offers guided tours, is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can descend 300 meters into the earth to see gold veins in their natural state. The incident occurred in the final week of the mine's operating season before it closed for the winter.

The mine, which opened in the 19th century and closed in 1961, served as a tourist attraction for decades. Colorado requires tourist-operated mines to designate staff for daily inspections of transportation systems. Sheriff Mikesell said he had no information about the most recent inspection of the elevator system and inspection records were not immediately available.

Entrance to the Mollie Kathleen Mine on October 12, 2008 in Cripple Creek, Colorado. (Nina Raingold/Getty Images)

Gov. Jared Polis confirmed that the state had deployed resources, including a mine rescue team, to support rescue efforts. Cripple Creek, where the mine is located, is a small town in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Colorado Springs.

The last significant incident at the mine occurred in the 1980s, but details have not been disclosed.