On October 10, an alarming incident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist destination in Colorado. A malfunction in the equipment left at least one person dead and left twelve visitors trapped approximately 300 feet underground. Local emergency services have now been mobilized for rescue efforts.
According to reports from ABC and other news outlets, the incident took place near Cripple Creek, Colorado, at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine—an abandoned site that has been transformed into a tourist attraction offering underground tours.
Authorities stated that they received a call regarding the incident around 1:30 PM, and confirmed that the accident was due to equipment failure, clarifying that there was no cave-in at the mine. While one individual has tragically lost their life, rescuers have successfully brought eleven people to the surface, including two children.
Injuries have been reported, and UCHealth, a local hospital, confirmed that they have treated six patients so far, with three already discharged after treatment.
Current updates indicate that those still trapped are safe, with no immediate concerns regarding oxygen supply or food and water. Emergency responders are hopeful to rescue everyone by tonight. The safety of the elevator is being assessed by mine safety experts, and if it is deemed secure, it will be used to lift the trapped individuals to safety. Otherwise, alternative rescue methods such as ropes will be employed.
The mine, which reaches a depth of about 300 feet, has been a beloved tourist spot since it was opened for tours in 1986, with no similar incidents reported until now.
