Twelve people trapped 1,000 feet underground at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek , Colorado, were successfully rescued on Thursday. The incident occurred due to an elevator malfunction , which left the group stranded for several hours.
One person lost their life during the incident, but details surrounding the victim and the cause of death have not been released by officials. Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that two children were involved, though it remains unclear if they were among those trapped.
The elevator malfunction was reported around noon, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. While waiting for rescue, the twelve individuals remained in good spirits and were in contact with authorities via radio. They were provided with water and blankets to ensure their comfort, and later received pizza after their rescue.
Earlier in the day, eleven other passengers had been safely evacuated from the elevator, four of whom sustained minor injuries. The exact nature of these injuries and the mechanical failure of the elevator have not been detailed by the sheriff.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a historical site and tourist attraction, typically operates tours that take visitors 1,000 feet underground. The mine was discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891 and has been a popular destination ever since, despite its closure for mining in 1961.
Officials from the state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety noted that mines serving as tourist attractions are required to have daily inspections, though it is currently unclear when the last inspection of this mine took place.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed gratitude for the successful rescue efforts, which involved a coordinated response from state engineers, mine safety experts, and firefighters. While a rope rescue was prepared as a backup option, using the elevator was deemed the safest choice.
The mine, located 110 miles south of Denver, has a history of operational safety, with only one previous incident reported in 1986.
One person lost their life during the incident, but details surrounding the victim and the cause of death have not been released by officials. Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that two children were involved, though it remains unclear if they were among those trapped.
The elevator malfunction was reported around noon, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. While waiting for rescue, the twelve individuals remained in good spirits and were in contact with authorities via radio. They were provided with water and blankets to ensure their comfort, and later received pizza after their rescue.
Earlier in the day, eleven other passengers had been safely evacuated from the elevator, four of whom sustained minor injuries. The exact nature of these injuries and the mechanical failure of the elevator have not been detailed by the sheriff.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a historical site and tourist attraction, typically operates tours that take visitors 1,000 feet underground. The mine was discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891 and has been a popular destination ever since, despite its closure for mining in 1961.
Officials from the state Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety noted that mines serving as tourist attractions are required to have daily inspections, though it is currently unclear when the last inspection of this mine took place.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed gratitude for the successful rescue efforts, which involved a coordinated response from state engineers, mine safety experts, and firefighters. While a rope rescue was prepared as a backup option, using the elevator was deemed the safest choice.
The mine, located 110 miles south of Denver, has a history of operational safety, with only one previous incident reported in 1986.
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