One person has died, and 23 others have been rescued after an elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a tourist attraction in Cripple Creek, Colorado, United states.
The incident occurred on Thursday while two groups were touring the disused gold mine.
The first group, consisting of 12 tourists, became trapped about 500 feet underground for six hours.
Unfortunately, one person from this group died, while the remaining 11, including two children, were rescued. Four people from this group sustained minor injuries.
The second group of 12 tourists was later safely brought to the surface without injuries.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell of Teller County confirmed the fatality but did not provide further details. “We did have one fatality that occurred during this issue at 500 feet,” he said. The sheriff explained that the elevator malfunction created a dangerous situation but clarified, “The mine did not collapse.”
Rescue teams communicated with the trapped group using radio and ensured they were provided with chairs, blankets, and water while waiting. “They were at a safe temperature, and the malfunction was an equipment issue,” Sheriff Mikesell added.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed relief following the rescue, stating, “I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued.”
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which opened in the 1890s, offers tourists an hour-long tour that takes them 1,000 feet underground to view exposed gold veins. The mine is scheduled to close for the season on Sunday.
Officials say the last incident at the mine occurred in 1986.
