Investigators Link Fatal 2024 Incident at Colorado Gold Mine to ‘Operator Error’
In a tragic event at a historic gold mine in Colorado, a man was killed and several tourists were trapped underground for hours in 2024. Investigators have attributed the incident to “operator error,” according to local authorities.
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office reported that the situation at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located near Cripple Creek, was not caused by any current operational practices or equipment failures. They concluded that the death of Patrick Weier, a 46-year-old tour guide, was accidental.
The incident occurred on October 10, 2024, and was initially thought to be due to an elevator failure that posed a serious risk to a tour group, as noted by Sheriff Jason Mikesell. Emergency responders from various authorities successfully rescued 11 individuals, which included two children and four adults with minor injuries, using a trolley system.
However, 12 others, including Weier, remained trapped at the bottom of the mine—approximately 1,000 feet deep— for about six hours. This incident transpired at the close of the mine’s tour season, which operates from May through the second weekend in October.
The occurrence raised concerns regarding the mine’s safety protocols and equipment. Consequently, a cease-and-desist order was enacted against the tourist attraction following the event, as stated by the sheriff’s office.
Last month, safety inspectors from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s various divisions completed an evaluation of the mine, with a report released Thursday.
According to the report, inspectors found that the “Mollie Kathleen tourist mine complies sufficiently with the Mine Safety and Training Program regulations for tourist mines and does not present an imminent or significant risk to the public or its employees.”
The cease-and-desist order has now been lifted, clearing the way for the mine to prepare for the 2025 tourist season, although the precise reopening date remains unclear. As of Thursday, the mine’s website indicated that it was still closed until further notice.
What transpired at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine?
During the incident, the elevator, carrying a different group of tourists, malfunctioned about halfway down the mine shaft, as reported by Mikesell. The elevator got stuck momentarily before returning to the surface with the 11 people on board.
In the meantime, another group of 11 tourists and Weier found themselves trapped at the bottom of the mine until the elevator could be fixed. After approximately six hours, Mikesell stated that they were able to bring them up in groups of four via the elevator system.
“We devised a successful plan to bring them up through the elevator system,” Mikesell commented at the time, adding that they had prepared alternate plans but thankfully did not need to implement them.
Emergency crews chose not to utilize a backup plan that involved lowering a harness into the mine shaft to hoist individuals up one at a time.
Throughout the rescue operations, Mikesell assured that the trapped tourists were safe and in communication with emergency personnel. They had access to essential supplies, including drinking water, chairs, and blankets.
Tourist Mine Accidents are Rare
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which began operations in the 1800s and closed in 1961, continues to offer tours, as indicated on the mine’s website. It is situated near Cripple Creek, approximately 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs.
“Instead of shutting down the mine completely, the decision was made to keep tours operational,” states the mine’s website. “Revenue from tours has been utilized to ensure the mine remains in a safely operable condition.”
For over 50 years, this family-owned business has conducted tours at the mine, with only one prior safety incident reported in the 1980s, according to Mikesell. Before the October event, state inspectors had deemed the mine’s safety reports satisfactory and found no significant violations or hazards.
Safety regulations for tourist mines are enforced by both state and federal agencies, as per the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety. In addition to annual inspections, mine operators are mandated to perform daily checks.
“The safety record of Colorado’s tourist mines is commendable,” the state department stated last October. “Each year, thousands of tourists visit these mines safely, learning about Colorado’s vital natural resources and its rich mining history.”
However, federal authorities have cautioned that both active and abandoned mine sites can pose serious risks to those who are untrained or unfamiliar with the areas. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are around 14,000 active mines and approximately 500,000 abandoned mines throughout the country.
In 2022, the Department of Labor noted that numerous injuries and fatalities occur each year at mine sites due to exploration, swimming, or recreational activities.
Contributing: Ahjané Forbes ; Reuters