1 dead, 23 rescued at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek

A recent incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, has captured significant attention due to its tragic and dramatic nature. On October 10, 2024, an equipment malfunction resulted in one fatality and left 23 others trapped underground. This event occurred at a site that is not only a historical landmark but also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the mining practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a historic vertical shaft mine located near Cripple Creek, Colorado. It was named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, who discovered gold there in 1891. The mine operated continuously until 1961, with a brief hiatus during World War II. Since then, it has functioned primarily as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience the conditions and methods of historic gold mining firsthand. Tours take guests 1,000 feet underground to explore the mine's rich history and see veins of gold embedded in rock formations.

On the afternoon of October 10, a mechanical failure occurred with the elevator system used to transport visitors into the mine. This malfunction stranded a group of tourists approximately 1,000 feet below the surface. Initial reports indicated that one person died at about 500 feet underground due to this equipment failure. Meanwhile, rescue operations were promptly initiated to address the situation.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office led the rescue efforts, supported by multiple agencies including local fire departments and state resources. The rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the depth and complexity of the mine's infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, they successfully rescued 11 individuals initially using a trolley car system designed for such emergencies. Among those rescued were two children and four individuals who sustained minor injuries.

The rescue operations were coordinated with precision and urgency. Authorities communicated with those trapped using radios and ensured they had access to essential supplies such as water, blankets, and chairs while waiting for rescue. The individuals trapped included a mine employee who had prior experience in rescue operations, which provided some reassurance regarding their safety.

By late evening on October 10, rescuers managed to safely bring up all remaining trapped individuals after ensuring that the elevator was operational again. This successful rescue was attributed to the collaborative efforts of various local and state agencies.

The incident prompted responses from several officials, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and gratitude towards the first responders involved in the rescue operation. Governor Polis emphasized the importance of ensuring safety in such tourist attractions and pledged state support for ongoing investigations into the cause of the malfunction.

The incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with historical sites repurposed for tourism. While these sites offer valuable educational experiences about past industries like gold mining, they also require stringent safety measures to protect visitors. The successful rescue operation highlights both the risks inherent in such environments and the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response efforts when those risks materialize.

As investigations continue into what caused this tragic accident, there will likely be discussions on improving safety protocols for similar attractions across Colorado and beyond. This event underscores the need for regular maintenance and inspections of equipment used in historical sites to prevent future tragedies and ensure visitor safety remains paramount.