Victim identified after elevator malfunction in Southern Colorado gold mine
Posted on 10/12/2024
CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KKTV) - Emergency personnel responded to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek to reports of multiple people trapped underground after an elevator malfunctioned on Thursday afternoon.
On Friday, officials identified the person who died in the incident as Patrick Weier, 46, a local father and a tour guide at the mine.
Officials got the call around 12 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, first responders learned there were 11 people on an elevator about 500 feet down. That elevator was brought back to the surface. Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one person died in the incident. Multiple were injured, but officials did not detail the extent of the injuries.
Another 12 visitors and a tour guide were 1,000 feet down on a tour of the mine.
Multiple units were assisting with the rescue including Divide Fire, the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office alongside state responders sent by Colorado Gov. Polis.
“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort. The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis.
At 6:31 p.m., Polis said a mine rescue team and conveyance inspector were on the way to the mine to assist in rescue efforts.
Around 7 p.m., officials confirmed the elevator was fixed and they were bringing people out of the mine. The 12 visitors and their tour guide were safely brought back to the surface and were uninjured.
According to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, tourist mines and conveyance equipment are supposed to be inspected daily. “Any inspection checklist should include at least checks on proper ventilation, ground conditions and control, electrical hazards, general mine hazards, etc.”
In a Friday update, officials shared that there was an “incident” with the elevator’s doors at 500 feet down, but they are unsure exactly what happened after that. They also said the mine has passed safety inspections, but they aren’t sure when the last inspection was.
Officials also confirmed that OSHA is involved in the investigation.
The Teller County Sheriff said, 1,000 feet down, the 12 people at the bottom of the mine were unaware of what was going on, which the sheriff said was the right choice to avoid a panic.
“We didn’t want anyone to be upset," Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said. “If we had had an anxiety issue or heart attack because of the stress of it, you’re 1000 feet down and there’s no way up until we get the elevator up and running.”
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine posted on their website: “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.”
On Friday, officials identified the person who died in the incident as Patrick Weier, 46, a local father and a tour guide at the mine.
Officials got the call around 12 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, first responders learned there were 11 people on an elevator about 500 feet down. That elevator was brought back to the surface. Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one person died in the incident. Multiple were injured, but officials did not detail the extent of the injuries.
Another 12 visitors and a tour guide were 1,000 feet down on a tour of the mine.
Multiple units were assisting with the rescue including Divide Fire, the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office alongside state responders sent by Colorado Gov. Polis.
“I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort. The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis.
At 6:31 p.m., Polis said a mine rescue team and conveyance inspector were on the way to the mine to assist in rescue efforts.
Around 7 p.m., officials confirmed the elevator was fixed and they were bringing people out of the mine. The 12 visitors and their tour guide were safely brought back to the surface and were uninjured.
According to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, tourist mines and conveyance equipment are supposed to be inspected daily. “Any inspection checklist should include at least checks on proper ventilation, ground conditions and control, electrical hazards, general mine hazards, etc.”
In a Friday update, officials shared that there was an “incident” with the elevator’s doors at 500 feet down, but they are unsure exactly what happened after that. They also said the mine has passed safety inspections, but they aren’t sure when the last inspection was.
Officials also confirmed that OSHA is involved in the investigation.
The Teller County Sheriff said, 1,000 feet down, the 12 people at the bottom of the mine were unaware of what was going on, which the sheriff said was the right choice to avoid a panic.
“We didn’t want anyone to be upset," Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said. “If we had had an anxiety issue or heart attack because of the stress of it, you’re 1000 feet down and there’s no way up until we get the elevator up and running.”
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine posted on their website: “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.”
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