Mine Tour Turned Tragic: One Dead, 12 Stuck After Elevator Glitch

In a dramatic turn of events, a tourist site at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, Colorado, faced a serious incident. An elevator malfunctioned while descending into the mine, leading to the death of one person and leaving 12 others trapped 500 feet below the surface. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, created a dangerous situation for the participants, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. The elevator, meant to take visitors on a tour of the historic mine, had a mechanical failure that posed a severe risk. The sheriff confirmed that one person lost their life, though the specifics of how the death occurred were not disclosed. The remaining 12 individuals are safe and in communication with authorities, who are working to fix the elevator system. As a precaution, rescuers are prepared to use ropes if the elevator cannot be repaired. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine opened in the 1800s and closed in the 1960s, but it continues to offer tours to visitors. The mine, located about 1,000 feet below the surface, provides a unique experience where tourists can see gold veins and ride an underground tram. However, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the mine; the last troublesome event was reported in 1986. Governor Jared Polis has confirmed that the state is providing resources to assist in the rescue effort. "We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation," Polis stated. Cripple Creek, a small town with a population of approximately 1,100 people, is situated southwest of Colorado Springs. The town is known for its rich history tied to gold mining.