A tragic accident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, Colorado. It resulted in the death of a tour guide and the rescue of 23 others. The accident took place on Thursday around noon when an elevator, descending the mine’s 1,000-foot deep shaft, experienced a mechanical issue about 500 feet down.
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Patrick Weier, 46, was killed in an accident. Officials are currently investigating the details surrounding the tour guide’s death. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated that the exact cause of the malfunction is unknown. Initial reports suggested that the elevator might have experienced a drop, but Sheriff Mikesell clarified that it is uncertain whether the elevator dropped or bounced, according to NBC News.
NBC News reported that 23 people were safely evacuated from the mine after the incident. This group included 12 tourists and a guide who were at the 1000-foot level. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a popular tourist destination, has temporarily closed following the accident. The official website of the tourist attraction released a statement addressing the accident, offering condolences to Weier’s family, and thanking first responders for their efforts.
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“Recently the Mollie Kathleen experienced a tragic event. We would like to send our prayers and condolences to everyone involved. We would also like to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel who helped us through such a difficult time. The Mollie Kathleen will be closed until further notice.”
Governor Jared Polis also offered condolences on Thursday, and the White House reached out to offer support to the community.
“I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident. I thank Teller County and Sheriff Mikesell and his team, as well as the other law enforcement and first responders from local and state government for their swift response and tireless efforts, including members of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Thanks to this collaborative effort, each of these individuals will return home safely.”
