Twelve tourists were trapped, and one person was tragically killed in a disused Colorado gold mine in a harrowing incident that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon. The group was on a guided tour of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek when the mine’s lift experienced a severe malfunction, trapping the visitors hundreds of feet underground. The group was safely rescued hours later, according to local officials.
Lift Malfunction in Cripple Creek Gold Mine
The incident occurred during an hour-long tour of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist attraction located on the southwestern slopes of Pikes Peak. The tour takes visitors more than 1,000 feet underground, providing a glimpse of the mining operations that date back to the 1890s. During the tour, the lift, which was carrying the tourists, malfunctioned about 500 feet below the surface.
Officials described the situation as dangerous, with Sheriff Jason Mikesell from Teller County confirming the death of one individual during the malfunction. “We had one fatality occur at 500 feet,” Mikesell said. He refrained from sharing further details about the cause of death but emphasized that the mine did not collapse and that the incident was strictly a mechanical failure.
Emergency Rescue Efforts
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including local search and rescue teams equipped with heavy machinery to address the lift malfunction. The 12 tourists trapped in the Colorado gold mine included two children. While some tourists sustained minor injuries, most were unharmed. Communication between the rescue teams and the trapped individuals was maintained through radios.
Rescue teams acted quickly to ensure the group’s safety while awaiting evacuation. Sheriff Mikesell reported that the tourists were provided with chairs, blankets, and water to ensure they remained comfortable in the mine’s 50°F (10°C) temperature. He emphasized that although the situation was critical due to the malfunctioning lift, the mine’s structure was stable.
One Fatality Amidst Successful Rescue
Despite the successful rescue of 12 tourists trapped in the Colorado gold mine, the tragedy was marked by the loss of one life. Local officials have not disclosed the identity of the deceased, and the cause of death remains under investigation. Governor Jared Polis issued a statement expressing his relief that the trapped individuals had been rescued safely, though he extended his condolences to the family of the victim.
“This is a tragic incident,” said Governor Polis. “While we are relieved that most have been safely brought back to the surface, we mourn the loss of one life in what should have been a routine and safe tour.”
A Tourist Destination Rooted in History
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, the first woman to strike gold in the Cripple Creek region in 1891, is one of Colorado’s most historic mines. It has been a popular tourist destination for decades, offering visitors the chance to see exposed gold veins and experience the atmosphere of an authentic 19th-century gold mine. The mine operates from spring to fall each year, closing for the season in mid-October.
According to the tour company’s website, visitors are transported into the mine via a lift that recreates the sounds and sensations of an active mining environment. Guests are provided with hard hats and descend more than 1,000 feet into the mine shaft, with tours offering a firsthand look at Colorado’s gold-mining history.
The Last Major Incident: 1986
While the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine prides itself on maintaining safe, operable mining conditions, officials noted that the last significant incident at the mine occurred in 1986, though no details were provided. Former workers and tourists alike have described the mine’s lift, referred to as a “miners’ cage,” as being small, with space for about nine to fifteen people at a time. Despite its tight quarters, the mine has generally had a reputation for safe operations.
Investigation and Aftermath
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the lift malfunction that led to the tragic death and the temporary entrapment of 12 tourists in the Colorado gold mine. Sheriff Mikesell confirmed that safety inspectors and local authorities are examining the lift and the mine’s operational procedures to prevent a recurrence of such an event.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine had been scheduled to close for the season this coming Sunday. However, the mine remains shut down while investigations continue, and future tours are currently on hold pending the outcome of safety reviews.
In the wake of this tragic event, the community in Cripple Creek and the broader tourism industry in Colorado are grappling with the aftermath of the incident, while safety measures are being scrutinized to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of safety, even in long-standing tourist attractions like the historic Colorado gold mine.
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