Horror Strikes as Gold Mine Collapses, Trapping Tourists Underground

One person died and 12 others were trapped when an elevator malfunctioned while tourists were visiting a former Colorado gold mine.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

By Thursday night, authorities reported that the twelve individuals had been safely rescued after spending hours trapped at the bottom of the mine.

The elevator was descending into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek when it encountered a mechanical issue approximately 152 meters below the surface, creating a “severe danger for the participants,” according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell at a media conference.

The twelve individuals who were rescued were about 305 meters underground.

They remained safe and in communication with authorities while waiting for rescue, and Mikesell reported they were in good spirits afterward.

Once they were brought back to the surface, authorities provided them with pizza and updated them on the situation, explaining that there had been an elevator problem.

During a nighttime briefing, Mikesell stated that the cause of the malfunction is still unknown and an investigation is underway.

Engineers worked to ensure the elevator was safe to operate again before bringing the stranded visitors back up.

The incident occurred during the final week of the site’s operating season before it closes for the winter.

Mikesell noted that the last recorded accident at the site was in the 1980s, but he did not provide details about that incident.

Mines in Colorado that operate as tourist attractions are required to designate someone to inspect the mines and their transportation systems daily, according to the state’s Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety.

Mikesell mentioned that he was not aware of the date of the last inspection.