A tragic incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, on Thursday, resulting in the death of one person and the rescue of 23 others after an elevator malfunction. The mine, a popular tourist attraction, faced a mechanical issue that left people stranded hundreds of feet underground, with some trapped for up to six hours.

At around noon on Thursday, the mine’s elevator system experienced a failure, creating a significant risk for those inside, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. He described the situation as “a severe danger for the participants” and noted that the exact cause of the malfunction was still under investigation. “Accidents happen when dealing with this kind of machinery,” Mikesell said during a press conference, acknowledging the inherent risks associated with such operations.

The rescue efforts were swift but challenging. A group of 11 people was successfully rescued earlier in the day, but another group of 12 tourists, some from out of state, remained trapped at the bottom of the mine, about 1,000 feet below the surface, for six hours before they were finally brought up safely later that evening. Among those rescued were two children, and four individuals received medical attention for minor injuries.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his relief at the safe rescue of the trapped individuals and extended his condolences to the family of the person who died in the incident. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident,” Polis said in a statement.

The victim of the malfunction was identified as 46-year-old Patrick Weier, a local community member who worked as a tour guide at the mine. Weier was also the father of a 7-year-old child, and Sheriff Mikesell said that Weier “will be missed.” According to Mikesell, Weier’s body was recovered when the first group of people was brought up from about 500 feet down the shaft, where the elevator had malfunctioned. It is still unclear exactly what went wrong at that level, but Mikesell indicated that there was some issue with the elevator doors at that point, which led to the accident. “There was some type of incident with the doors, and at that point, something went wrong,” he said.

The sheriff became visibly emotional while discussing the incident, particularly when recounting the impact on the children who were trapped. “It’s one of those things you tear up a little bit when you’re dealing with kids that have to go through these types of things,” he said, describing the situation as “traumatic.”

To ensure the safety of the remaining group of tourists still trapped at the mine’s deepest point, inspectors worked to fix the elevator before using it to bring them to the surface in groups of four. Before rescuing the final group, officials provided them with an update to help them understand what was happening, as they were unaware of the full extent of the situation while trapped in the mine’s cold, dark conditions. During the time they were trapped, the temperature in the mine hovered around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Although the trapped tourists had access to water, blankets, chairs, and a radio, they lacked access to facilities such as restrooms.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a family-owned tourist attraction that has been operational for over 50 years, offering visitors a unique experience exploring a historic gold mine from the 1890s. The mine’s one-hour tour takes guests deep underground, where they descend into the mine via an elevator at speeds of about 5 mph, followed by a short ride on an underground rail car and a walking tour. The attraction has been popular with visitors due to its close-up views of historical mining operations, but it also comes with certain risks. The tour website even mentions that while the experience is not claustrophobic, the descent into the mine is a close, confined two-minute ride in the elevator shaft.

Although this recent tragedy has shaken the local community and the families of those affected, the mine has a relatively safe history. Sheriff Mikesell noted that the last significant accident at the mine occurred in 1986 when two people were trapped in an elevator, but no fatalities were reported at that time.

Following the accident, the mine closed for the season, earlier than its planned weekend closure, with an expected reopening in May. The incident has raised questions about safety measures at tourist mines and the risks associated with the machinery used in such operations. In addition to the sheriff’s investigation, it is likely that the incident will draw attention from other regulatory and safety authorities.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department commended the work of first responders in ensuring the safe rescue of the trapped individuals. “We’re grateful for the work of all first responders who ensured the safety of those still inside. Our condolences go out to the family who lost a loved one tonight; please keep them in your prayers,” the department said in a social media post.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine exactly what caused the elevator malfunction and how such accidents can be prevented in the future. Sheriff Mikesell emphasized that while heavy machinery and mines pose inherent dangers, incidents like these are rare, and the safety of visitors and staff is a priority. However, he also acknowledged the difficulty in preventing all accidents when operating such complex machinery.

The tragedy has left the small community of Cripple Creek, where the mine is located, in mourning. Weier’s death has resonated deeply with the town’s residents, many of whom have long-standing ties to the mine and the mining industry. As the investigation proceeds and more details emerge, the community will likely look for ways to honor Weier’s memory and support his family during this difficult time.

In the aftermath of the incident, officials and rescue teams have been praised for their coordinated efforts, ensuring the safe return of those trapped underground. However, this tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in both mining and the tourist industry that revolves around such historical sites.

While the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine will remain closed for now, it is expected that new safety protocols will be reviewed and implemented before it reopens to the public next year. Visitors and locals alike will likely be more cautious when visiting similar attractions, and the mine’s long history will continue to be a significant part of the town’s identity, albeit now marked by this unfortunate incident.