Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Accident: Tragic Elevator Malfunction Claims Life and Traps Tourists

A devastating accident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, Colorado, has left the community in shock. On Thursday, October 10, 2024, a fatal elevator malfunction occurred during a guided tour, resulting in the death of a 46-year-old tour guide, Patrick Weier, and injuring four others. The incident has highlighted serious concerns about mine safety and the need for rigorous inspections and maintenance protocols.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world's greatest gold camp. The mine, which is located about an hour west of Colorado Springs, advertises itself as the 'Only Vertical Shaft Gold Mine Tour.' Visitors descend 1,000 feet underground to experience the extensive network of tunnels and gain insight into the history of gold mining in the region.

Patrick Weier, a respected member of the tight-knit mountain community, was a beloved tour guide who had moved to Colorado from the Chicago area. He was known for his enthusiasm and dedication to his job. Weier left behind a 7-year-old son and was remembered fondly by his mother, Ruth Weier, who described him as a great guy with many friends in the community.

The accident occurred approximately 500 feet inside the mine shaft when the elevator malfunctioned. The elevator, which is described as a traditional 'cable lift mine shaft hoisting equipment,' dropped a little bit and the doors were mangled. This mechanical failure led to a serious issue for those aboard, resulting in Weier's death and injuries to four others.

Eleven people were rescued from the initial incident, including two children who were among the first group rescued. The group was brought up to the surface after hours of rescue efforts, during which they were provided with water, blankets, and chairs to keep them calm. However, another group of 12 people remained trapped deeper in the mine for about six hours until they were safely rescued.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell confirmed that the decision not to inform the trapped group about the fatality and injuries was made to prevent further anxiety or panic. 'We made the ultimate decision not to tell them what was occurring at 500 feet,' Mikesell explained. 'We knew that we couldn't get anybody down to them, and we didn't want to create more of an emergency at the bottom where we couldn't deal with it.'

The rescue operation was a complex and challenging task. Authorities had debated sending a team down the mine shaft as a 'Plan B' but ultimately decided against it due to safety concerns. Once the elevator was repaired, the mine owner and some rescuers rode it back down to the trapped group. The people were brought back up to the surface in groups of four, with the sheriff and other community leaders briefing them on what happened.

Federal investigators have joined the investigation into what went wrong. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the accident, while the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) does not have jurisdiction over abandoned mines like Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. However, MSHA has jurisdiction over active, intermittent, non-producing, and temporarily idled mines.

The incident has raised concerns about mine safety and the need for rigorous inspections and maintenance protocols. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources' Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety has dispatched mine safety experts to the tourist mine after the accident was reported. However, state documents have not provided copies of permits and inspection reports requested by CPR News, citing an ongoing investigation.

Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams praised the rescue response, describing it as 'courage under fire.' He noted that the incident brought together various stakeholders from different political backgrounds, including democratic and republican senators, as well as the White House and governor's office, all of whom offered support and assistance.

The mine last reported an incident in 1986 and has been functioning as a tourist attraction for more than 50 years. The U.S. Department of Labor released a statement expressing sadness over the event and extending their thoughts to all affected. The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing, with officials working to determine what mechanical issue led to the malfunction.

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is currently closed indefinitely as authorities continue their investigation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in operating old mining equipment and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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