Elevator malfunction behind mining accident that killed tour guide, trapped 12 others in Colorado

Authorities are investigating an elevator accident inside a former Colorado gold mine that killed a tour guide and left 12 people trapped for several hours.

The accident occurred at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Colorado Springs on Thursday when the elevator, descending to 1,000 feet, malfunctioned around the 500-foot mark.

The operator at the surface felt something strange and stopped the elevator, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.

The elevator was still functional, and all passengers were brought back to the surface within 20 minutes. However, a door was found broken upon its return.

Patrick Weier, 46, from Victor, Colorado, was the tour guide who lost his life. The sheriff confirmed that his death was related to the elevator’s mechanical failure, not due to a medical issue. Four others, including two children, sustained minor injuries, such as neck, back, and arm pain.

Following the incident, a second group of 12 people was trapped underground for about six hours while engineers ensured the elevator's safety. They were eventually hoisted to safety in small groups. The trapped group had access to water and maintained communication with authorities via radios.

Elevator accidents in mines are exceedingly rare, according to Steven Schafrik, a mining engineering professor at the University of Kentucky. Modern elevators are equipped with safety mechanisms designed to prevent serious incidents.

The Mollie Kathleen Mine has operated as a tourist attraction since 1961. The mine’s owners have expressed condolences to Weier’s family and thanked emergency responders. The mine will remain closed until further notice.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are assisting with the investigation.