On Thursday, October 10, 2024, one person died and 23 others were trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, CO after an equipment malfunction. The deceased, identified as 46-year-old Patric Weier, is from Victor, Colorado. Weier was a father and served as a tour guide at the mine while working on becoming a volunteer firefighter.

According to officials, the elevator that takes visitors 1,000 feet underground experienced a malfunction with the door at the 500-foot marker of the mine, though they do not know what happened to cause the malfunction. They believe that the fatalities occurred during the malfunction.

11 of the 23 trapped individuals were rescued shortly after the incident occurred, while the 12 other individuals were trapped for more than six hours at the bottom of the mine. The group of 12 individuals who were trapped for hours were all out-of-state tourists and were rescued without injury.

Officials said this is not the first mishap that has occurred at the mine, an unspecified incident in 1986 was referenced, and according to news archives from the Pike PEak Library District’s digital collection, the elevator failed twice in the summer of 1994, leaving visitors stranded for hours.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is one of several agencies involved in investigating this incident.

Dangers of Equipment Malfunction

Many industrial settings rely heavily on complex machinery like elevators, conveyors, and ventilation systems, and any failure of these systems can create life-threatening conditions. Malfunctions can occur due to mechanical wear, inadequate maintenance, or even defective components, putting lives at risk. Regular safety checks, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols are critical in preventing such tragedies.

“Equipment malfunctions in industrial settings pose significant dangers to both workers and visitors,” says attorney Kevin Hannon of Singleton Schreiber, “In situations like the one that occurred on Thursday night, even a minor mechanical failure can lead to catastrophic outcomes. When machinery breaks down in an environment as hazardous as a mine, the consequences can range from entrapment to serious injury or even death, as seen in this tragic incident.”

Legal Options For Those Affected by a Machinery Malfunction

Victims of equipment malfunctions, such as the tragic incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, may have legal recourse to seek compensation for the injuries, losses, or loss of their loved one (wrongful death). Those affected my wish to pursue either a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim if their loved one died in the incident.

Filing these types of claims may allow them to obtain compensation from the liable party for damages they experienced in the incident, which may cover:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical costs
  • Loss of support
  • Funeral and burial expenses (if their loved one died)
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

If you were injured in an industrial setting due to a machinery malfunction or tragically lost a loved one in such an incident, you may have legal recourse. Contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call (720) 400-7443 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.