One dead in horrific accident at Colorado Tourist Mine

What was supposed to be a fun Colorado trip turned into a horrific and frightening accident that left one person dead.

How will an accident like this impact these types of tours in Colorado? As the mines around Colorado age, is it time to simply abandon them to history?

Will you think twice the next time the family wants to try something like this?

Gold mining tour in Colorado turns tragic

The so-called longest-running gold mining tour in America has been suspended indefinitely after one of its tours had an accident with the old elevator that takes people down to the mine.

According to KRDO, the Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Teller County near Cripple Creek had a problem with its elevator, which takes people to a depth of 1,000 feet during a $30-per-person tour.

The tour usually lasts an hour; Six hours into this tour, 12 people had been safely extricated from the mine, while one person had died due to an “equipment problem” (cause unspecified at this time). According to KRDO, 11 additional people were released early.

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Those rescued were surprised to learn they were part of such a large rescue operation as they enjoyed the pizza the Teller County Sheriff’s Department had provided for them.

While a full investigation into the incident is ongoing, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine website provides the following statement:

Recently, Mollie Kathleen experienced a tragic event.

We would like to offer prayers and condolences to everyone involved.

We would also like to thank all the first responders and rescue workers who helped us during this difficult time.

Mollie Kathleen will remain closed until further notice.