7 dead after a gold mine collapse in Siaya
The bodies of the dead miners were taken by police to the mortuary of Bondo Sub-county Hospital for post-mortem examination, while the four survivors of the disaster were rushed to the hospital.
At the Kasweto gold mine in Lumba village, Rarieda Sub-county, seven artisanal miners perished when a mine shaft collapsed and buried them.
Eleven artisanal miners were within the shaft at the time of the incident.
The mid-morning incident has left the local mining community in mourning, according to Mr. Samuel Olielo, who lost a sibling. Their colleagues perished while attempting to make a life.
As residents of Lumba Kobong village, today is a depressing day for us. One of the young individuals we lost was my older brother, Mr. Olielo remarked.
The bodies of the dead miners were taken by police to the mortuary of Bondo Sub-county Hospital for post-mortem examination, while the four survivors of the disaster were rushed to the hospital.
Commander Kleti Kimaiyo of the Siaya County Police confirmed the occurrence and stated that investigations were being conducted to determine what caused it.
As of right now, we know that seven individuals perished at the gold mine, and their bodies have been sent to a mortuary for a post-mortem. As soon as we get all the information, we will provide specifics; our officers are now addressing the issue at hand," he stated.
Artisanal miners in the area frequently collapse mines because they don't follow safety protocols, according to Ben Bera, the regional mining officer.
"Miners should be safe because the shafts are designed with their safety in mind, but sadly, most of them have disregarded these precautions. Our normal recommendation is that they obtain a permit prior to beginning mining," he stated.
The catastrophe on Tuesday occurs just two months after a miner lost his life in a nearby mine, while three others who were in a shaft a short distance away from the seven victims of the same trauma also survived. Kennedy Ouma, 19, perished in the incident on May 1; family members had to camp at the scene while the body was being searched for, and it took a month to find her.
It is customary to think that having the relatives of the lost person there at the scene expedites the process of healing.
What's Your Reaction?
