On October 10, a tragic incident unfolded at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, a popular tourist attraction. According to reports from ABC and other outlets, a malfunction with the equipment led to a situation where at least one person lost their life and 12 tourists became trapped approximately 300 feet underground. Local emergency services quickly mobilized for a rescue attempt.
The police received a distress call around 1:30 PM regarding the incident, clarifying that it was not due to a mine collapse but rather equipment failure. Rescue teams were able to successfully bring 11 individuals to safety, including two children.
Local hospital UCHealth reported that six patients have been treated, with three already discharged. Authorities confirmed that all trapped individuals are currently safe, alleviating concerns about oxygen depletion or shortages of food and water. They expressed hope that the remaining individuals could be rescued by the end of the night. Safety experts and elevator technicians are on-site assessing the situation; if deemed safe, they plan to use the elevator to bring the trapped tourists to the surface. If not, alternative rescue methods involving ropes and other equipment will be deployed.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, known for its 300-foot depth, has been a beloved destination for visitors since it was repurposed for tourism in 1986, and no incidents of this nature have been reported in the past.
