UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 7:35 PM MT
TELLER COUNTY, COLORADO – During a press conference, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office announced that the 12 individuals trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine have been successfully rescued and are safe on the surface. Mine staff and experts were able to repair the elevator and ensure it could operate safely to retrieve them from the 1,000-foot level and return them to the surface, four at a time.
The Sheriff was profuse in this thanks to the local community, including the town of Cripple Creek and Teller County Commissioners, multiple first responder and search and rescue teams who were prepared to bring out the 12 remaining victims individually if required.
The Sheriff also reported that a state investigation is already underway into the causes of the incident and more information is expected to be released in the coming days and weeks as that process continues. Resources are being provided to the victims including hotel rooms, food, and access to mental health and trauma specialists. He also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
This concludes our ongoing reporting into this incident.
UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 5:17 PM MT
Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell has confirmed that one person has died, four were injured, and 12 others remain trapped 1,000 feet underground following an elevator malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek.
The elevator failure, which occurred around 500 feet into the mine, created what Sheriff Mikesell described as a “severe danger” for those on board, resulting in the fatality and injuries. No details are available regarding the specific cause of the death and injuries.
Rescue teams were able to safely extract the 11 individuals, including two children, from the midway point of the elevator shaft. All 11 are reported to be in good condition, though some report being traumatized from the experience..
Sheriff Mikesell also confirmed that communication has been established with the 12 individuals still trapped at the bottom of the mine, one of whom is a mine tour employee and former mining rescue team member. The group in the mine is reportedly safe and in good spirits, equipped with food, water, and blankets. Emergency crews are working to determine whether the elevator can be repaired, but contingency plans, including a rope and harness system, are in place for their extraction if needed.
Sheriff Mikesell emphasized that the mine, which has been operating as a tourist site since the 1960s, remains one of the safest in the world. The last major accident occurred nearly 40 years ago in 1986.
More updates and another media briefing are expected as the rescue effort continues.
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UPDATE: THURSDAY 10/10/2024 3:48 PM MT
Emergency crews are in a race against time to rescue more than 10 individuals trapped 1,000 feet underground after an equipment malfunction at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located near Cripple Creek. Eleven people have already been rescued, according to a statement from the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident, which occurred earlier this afternoon, prompted a large-scale response from multiple agencies, including the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). CSFD officials reported they were called to the scene around 1:30 p.m. MT to assist with the rescue effort.
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The cause of the equipment failure is still unclear, and it has not been confirmed whether those trapped were part of the regular tours offered at the historic mine.
Although the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine ceased operations in the 1960s, it remains open to the public for seasonal guided tours, which help maintain the mine’s infrastructure. Tours typically run from May to mid-October, making it possible that the incident involved visitors rather than miners.
Governor Jared Polis released a statement emphasizing that state resources are being deployed to assist local authorities. “We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Polis said, after speaking with Teller County officials.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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The Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists, offers hour-long walking tours, allowing visitors to explore its rich mining legacy. The rescue operation is now focused on the individuals still trapped, with no details yet on their condition.
A media briefing by the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners is expected at 4:30 p.m., where more information about the unfolding rescue and the possible causes of the equipment failure is anticipated.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department and other local emergency services are continuing to work diligently, and rescue operations are likely to extend into the evening. Support the state’s search and rescue community by purchasing a COSAR Card or donating to the CO SAR Association.
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