A former Colorado gold mine, the Mollie Kathleen Mine, is under scrutiny after a fatal incident involving a tour guide and a group of tourists. The state regulators have ordered the mine to remain closed while its operations are reviewed, specifically focusing on How Did The Tour Guide Died In The Mine.
The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety announced the closure following an inspection after the October 10th incident. The agency is investigating whether the death of Patrick Weier, 46, resulted from the mine’s failure to comply with safety regulations, according to division spokesperson Chris Arend.
The official notice issued to the mine cited a regulation permitting the division to shut down a tourist mine if there is an “imminent or substantial danger” to workers or the public. The mine was already scheduled for its seasonal winter closure.
Details of the Incident
While authorities haven’t released explicit details about how did the tour guide died in the mine, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated that the death was related to a mechanical problem with the elevator, ruling out a medical issue.
The Mollie Kathleen Mine is unique as the only tourist mine in the area utilizing an elevator for public access.
The Elevator Mishap and Rescue
The incident occurred as the elevator descended into the mine, about 500 feet (152 meters) below ground. The operator on the surface “felt something strange” and stopped the elevator, according to Sheriff Mikesell.
Eleven other people, including two children, were riding the elevator at the time. They were safely brought back to the surface following the accident.
A second group of twelve adults was trapped at the bottom of the mine, 1,000 feet (305 meters) underground. They were provided with water and maintained communication with authorities via radios, who informed them about the elevator issue. Engineers worked to ensure the elevator’s safety before the group was brought to the surface.
Investigation and Previous Safety Record
Prior to the incident, the mine’s inspection records were deemed “satisfactory,” with no reported safety concerns, according to the mining division. The last state inspection occurred on August 29th, but the mine was responsible for daily inspections. The investigation aims to uncover how did the tour guide died in the mine, and whether any negligence contributed to the fatality.
Ongoing Investigations
Sheriff Mikesell’s office, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the mining division are all involved in the investigation. The Labor Department has stated that OSHA has six months to complete its probe and will not release details of the ongoing investigation. The mining division has also offered its assistance in the investigations, to determine how did the tour guide died in the mine.
The closure of the Mollie Kathleen Mine will remain in effect while the investigations continue and the state regulators determine if the mine was compliant with safety regulations.
