1 dead, 12 rescued after stuck underground for hours in Colorado gold mine
By Aspen Andrews
Published: Oct. 10, 2024 at 3:01 PM CDT|Updated: 8 minutes ago
CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV) - Emergency personnel responded to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek to reports of multiple people trapped 1,000 feet underground after an elevator malfunctioned on Thursday afternoon.
Around 7 p.m., officials confirmed the elevator was fixed and they were bringing people out of the mine.
Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one person died in the incident. Multiple were injured, but officials did not detail the extent of the injuries.
As of 4:20 p.m., Teller County officials said 11 people were rescued and 12 people were still stuck inside the mine, 1,000 feet underground, but safe. Officials said they were working on finding a way to rescue them.
“Just a brief update regarding the incident today at the Molly Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek,” the Teller County Sheriff’s Office said around 2:10 p.m. “This was due to an equipment malfunction. The mine did not collapse.”
Multiple units were assisting with the rescue including Divide Fire, the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office alongside state responders sent by Colorado Gov. Polis.
“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort. The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis.
At 6:31 p.m., Polis said a mine rescue team and conveyance inspector were on the way to the mine to assist in rescue efforts.
The mine’s last public tour for the season was planned for this upcoming Sunday.
According to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, tourist mines and conveyance equipment are supposed to be inspected daily. “Any inspection checklist should include at least checks on proper ventilation, ground conditions and control, electrical hazards, general mine hazards, etc.”
https://www.kktv.com/2024/10/10/active-situation-mollie-kathleen-gold-mine-near-cripple-creek/
>The mine’s last public tour for the season was planned for this upcoming Sunday.
They almost made it. Almost.