A broken elevator door led to a mining accident in Colorado that left one tourist dead and twelve tourists trapped

Investigators are searching for answers after an elevator malfunction at Colorado’s historic Mollie Kathleen gold mine left a tour guide dead, four others injured and 12 people stranded at the base of the tourist attraction for hours.

The accident occurred Thursday when the elevator descending about 500 feet into the mine near Cripple Creek experienced a mechanical problem. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the operator noticed something strange during the descent and stopped the elevator, but the damage had already been done.

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Tour guide Patrick Weier, 46, of Victor, Colorado, died as a result of the malfunction. Four others suffered minor injuries, including back, neck and arm pain, but were safely back on their feet within 20 minutes. The exact details of the malfunction are still unclear, but one of the elevator doors was broken during lifting.

12 people trapped for hours

A second group of 12 adults on a separate tour 1,000 feet underground remained trapped for nearly six hours while engineers checked the elevator’s safety. The group remained in contact with authorities via radio and had access to water. Eventually they were pulled up in small groups, although officials were prepared to use ropes if necessary.

Those trapped were later taken to a relief center where they received showers, food and support. Ted Borden of the Community of Caring Foundation said the mood was “rough” but there was camaraderie among the group after the harrowing experience.

Elevator safety put to the test

According to Steven Schafrik, a mining engineering expert, accidents involving mining elevators are rare. These elevators are equipped with fail-safe devices to prevent falls in the event of a malfunction. However, the exact cause of this incident remains under investigation by local and federal authorities, including the US Mine Safety and Health Administration and OSHA.

The Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist destination, remains closed until further notice. Tours have been offered at the mine since it closed as an active gold mine in 1961. Normally, visitors ride the elevator to view gold veins and mining technology, but safety concerns have now halted operations at the mine.

The source:

This article is based on an Associated Press report that includes statements from local officials and experts about the tragic elevator accident at the Mollie Kathleen gold mine in Colorado. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues. This story was reported from Los Angeles.