A 15 year old climber was successfully rescued from an old mine shaft near Golden, Colorado after a 3 hour operation. CBS Denver reports the teen was climbing down an old mine shaft when his rope snapped and he fell about 60 feet down the deep hole off of West Colfax Avenue and Interstate 70 about 10:20 a.m. Thursday. He was already 40 feet down when he fell, so rescuers had to bring him up from 100 feet below.The teen suffered a broken leg.
Golden Firefighters confirmed the type of rope the teen was using was nylon rope purchased at a hardware store and was usually used to hang laundry not rappel.
“They had no climbing gear with them, they had no helmets, they were dressed in sweatshirts and sweaters. They weren’t prepared for anything” –Golden Fire Chief Bob Burrell
At the end of the day we super happy the kid made it out safely with the help of expertly trained rescuers but we have to point out that what they were doing was extremely irresponsible “They weren’t prepared for anything” and put all the people involved in the rescue effort in danger alongside the victims. Please enjoy the outdoor responsibly and think about all the people you effect when you make bonehead decisions.
Teenager is almost out of the shaft. loose rock and debris is complicating the last couple of feet out of the shaft. @GoldenCOFire @AlpineRescue pic.twitter.com/Ewnp8ViNdM
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) December 7, 2017
@GoldenCOFire @AlpineRescue – rescuers are building an elaborate pulley and rope system to bring rescuers and the patient up from the shaft. pic.twitter.com/AAQdrc2exQ
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) December 7, 2017
images from west metro fire twitter
