The following is a press release submitted by the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately noon on October 10, 2024, Teller County Dispatch received a call requesting emergency assistance at the Mollie Kathleen Mine tourist attraction. The Mollie Kathleen Mine is a family-run operation that brings in tourism from throughout the country.
When first responders arrived at the mine, it was determined that a malfunction occurred with the elevator that brings visitors into and out of the mine. No instability was created in the mine itself.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell arrived to the mine at approximately 12:45 and immediately took command of the incident along with Cripple Creek Fire Chief Joe O’Conor and assistance was provided from director Eric Murray with Southwest EMS.
11 people were on the elevator when the malfunction occurred. Among them were two children. As a result, one individual lost their life, and four other people received minor injuries. The elevator was able to return those 11 people back to the surface. The four injured people received medical attention. The children were not injured. The people from the elevator were also provided mental health services to help deal with any trauma.
Another group of 12 tourists and a highly experienced guide were already on the tour at the 1,000-foot level. They were notified of the malfunction with the elevator and that they would be brought back to the surface when the elevator was deemed safe.
Technicians from the State of Colorado and the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining Company were at the site working on the elevator. Once it was deemed safe, it would be used to return the 12 people and the guide to the surface. In the unlikely event the elevator could not be used, rescue personnel from the area were ready execute their plan to retrieve them.
In addition to the first responders, Senator Mark Baisley and Teller County Commissioners Dan Williams, Erik Stone, and Bob Campbell as well as County Administrator Ross Herzog were on site providing coordination and support. Governor Polis also sent representatives to provide assistance.
Among the responding agencies were the Teller County Sheriff’s Office, Teller County and Colorado Springs fire and rescue organizations, Colorado State Patrol, Cripple Creek Police, Divide Fire Protection District, and Emergency Medical Services.
At approximately 5:50 PM, the technicians met with Sheriff Mikesell to give a detailed report on the elevator readiness.
At 6:03 PM, Sheriff Mikesell gave the go-ahead to begin the retrieval of the people at the 1,000-foot level.
At 6:08 PM, the elevator was run empty to the bottom of the shaft and returned safely.
At 6:20 PM, State of Colorado Chief Conveyance Inspector and Conveyance Program Manager David Hutchcraft descended to retrieve the first four people.
At 6:35 PM, the first elevator with Mr. Hutchcraft returned to the surface safely with four passengers.
At 7:04 PM, the last of the people from the 1,000 foot level were returned safely to the surface.
All 12 were safe and uninjured.