Cripple Creek Facing Tragedy as Mine Tour Turns Deadly
CRIPPLE CREEK – A tragic incident occurred on Thursday during a tourist visit to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue 23 individuals after an elevator malfunction trapped them 1,000 feet below the surface.
Incident Overview
The alarming event unfolded shortly after noon when the Teller County Sheriff’s Office received reports of an elevator failure within the mine. According to Sheriff Jason Mikesell, the elevator transporting visitors malfunctioned, stopping midway at around 500 feet. Investigators are still looking into the precise cause of the malfunction.
More than six hours later, by 7:15 p.m., emergency crews successfully brought the remaining 12 trapped individuals back to safety using the repaired elevator. Unlike their fellow tourists who were rescued shortly after the incident began, those who remained underground were reportedly uninjured and maintained communication with rescue teams while they waited for their ascent. “They were grateful they were not told of the situation while they were stuck,” Mikesell stated, highlighting the decision to keep potentially alarming information from the trapped group.
Rescue Operations
The rescue operation saw a rapid response from various emergency services, including the Colorado Springs Fire Department, which deployed heavy-rescue and high-angle teams. The governor’s office also provided assistance, enabling a coordinated effort among different agencies aimed at securing the safe exit of the tourists from the mine.
Along with one confirmed death, four individuals suffered minor injuries, such as back and neck pain, and were treated on-site. Some children among the survivors were provided with mental health services to help them cope with the distressing experience.
Details on the Mine
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist attraction in Cripple Creek, offers a unique experience that includes taking visitors down a vertical 1,000-foot shaft. The mine, named after the first woman to stake a gold claim in Cripple Creek in 1891, has been operating as a tourist destination since the 1960s, generating revenue to maintain safe mining conditions.
Despite providing thrilling tours, the mine has not been free of troubles in its history. In addition to this incident, a noted mishap occurred in 1986, and records evidence of elevator failures in the early 1990s, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place.
Conclusion
As investigations continue into Thursday’s tragic events, the community of Cripple Creek and the state remain focused on ensuring the safety of those who enjoy visiting the mine. The Tours, which had been scheduled to conclude this weekend, may now face increased scrutiny as officials assess safety procedures at the site to prevent future tragedies.
The mayor of Cripple Creek, Annie Durham, expressed her gratitude for the responders’ quick actions and extended condolences to those affected by the incident. “We are immensely grateful for the quick response of all the agencies involved and are holding everyone in our prayers,” she stated during a press conference following the rescue.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks in adventure tourism and highlights the importance of safety measures in places like the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.
