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Tragic Elevator Failure at Colorado Gold Mine Leaves One Dead and Twelve Trapped Underground
An elevator failure at a Colorado gold mine left one dead and 12 trapped underground; emergency responders worked to rescue them, with safety concerns.
On Thursday, a tragic incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine attraction in Cripple Creek, Colorado, led to the death of one individual and left 12 others trapped 1,000 feet (300 meters) underground. The incident occurred due to an elevator failure at the former gold mine, which is now a popular tourist destination, as reported by officials.
Rescue Efforts and Damaged Elevator
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell informed reporters that emergency responders successfully rescued 11 people from the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine attraction. The rescue operation was initiated to address the predicament of the tourists and a tour guide who had been trapped since around midday (1800 GMT).
According to Mikesell, the elevator experienced a mechanical failure while a tour group was descending the mine shaft, resulting in one fatality and minor injuries to four individuals. The exact circumstances surrounding the fatality were not disclosed. Fortunately, the other group was able to return to the surface on the elevator, which has since been rendered inoperable.
Communication and Preparedness
Although responders maintained radio communication with the trapped individuals, the unfortunate news of the death was not conveyed to them. The trapped individuals were provided with water, blankets, and chairs for their comfort, according to Mikesell.
In response to the situation, state engineers, mine safety experts, and firefighters were deployed to the scene to assist with the rescue efforts. Mikesell indicated that if the elevator could not be safety repaired, alternative rescue operations involving ropes would be prepared, albeit with added risks to the first responders.
Historical Context and Safety Record
The family business operating tours at the mine has been in operation for 50 years, located approximately 110 miles (180 km) south of Denver. Notably, the mine had only one previous, unspecified safety incident in 1986, according to Mikesell's statement.
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