Twelve people were safely rescued after being trapped at the bottom of a former Colorado gold mine due to an elevator malfunction. The incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, with one person tragically losing their life. The trapped individuals were about 1,000 feet below ground but were in good spirits and safely communicated with authorities while awaiting rescue.
Authorities provided the rescued group with pizza and debriefed them on the situation, revealing that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the malfunction. Engineers ensured the elevator was working correctly before bringing the visitors back to the surface. Despite four individuals sustaining minor injuries, everyone remained in good condition throughout the ordeal.
The gold mine, a popular tourist site, was nearing the end of its season before closing for the winter. The incident occurred during a routine elevator ride, prompting swift response from emergency services. The mine, once operated by a woman named Mollie Kathleen Gortner, offers tours allowing visitors to descend 1,000 feet underground to view gold veins in the rock.
The state of Colorado mobilized resources, including a mine rescue team, to assist with the rescue efforts. Governor Jared Polis ensured support was provided to address the situation promptly. The town of Cripple Creek, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is known for its historic gold mining sites and attracts tourists seeking to explore the region’s mining heritage.
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