Operator error blamed for elevator incident that led to death of guide at former Colorado gold mine

Authorities say an incident involving an elevator at a former Colorado gold mine that led to the death of a tour guide and trapped a group of tourists for hours last year was caused by “operator error." In an update issued Wednesday, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office didn't provide details about what wrong. However, it said there were no equipment malfunctions and that the mine met state regulations. The incident at the Mollie Kathleen Mine happened as the elevator was descending into the mine in the mountains near Colorado Springs in October. The mine, which was about to close for the season when the accident happened, will be able to reopen again for this year’s tourist season.