A group of tourists suffered a terrifying ordeal on Thursday when an equipment malfunction left them trapped underground in a gold mine shaft in Colorado, killing one person.
The tour group became stranded at the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, CO around noon on Thursday. The mine is a popular tourist destination operating approximately 300 meters below the surface of the earth. ABC News It said 11 of those trapped were rescued early on Thursday, while the remaining 12, including two children, were brought to safety on Thursday night.
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the death was caused by an elevator malfunction but did not provide further details. Seven of those trapped were treated at a local hospital and released.
“I am relieved that the 12 people trapped at the Mollie Kathleen Mine were safely rescued,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement Thursday night. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost his life in this incident.”
Authorities had devised three potential plans to rescue the group, but were only able to execute Plan A, which was to repair the elevator stuck at 150 meters, check the cables, and then test it by sending it all the way to the end. downwards and upwards. Elevator and mine safety experts were brought in to inspect the safety of the elevator before the rescue operation began, which involved lifting four adults at a time.
Mikesell noted that there was no concern about stranded individuals running out of oxygen and that there was water, chairs and blankets. They were also able to communicate with rescuers.
Following the rescue efforts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety are reportedly investigating the incident.