Seven people have been killed after a gold mine shaft collapsed and buried them in Rarieda Sub-County, Siaya County on July 2, 2024.
The incident occurred in Lumba village, Central Asembo, when the mine walls caved in, trapping eleven miners.
Four of the miners managed to escape but sustained critical injuries.
Siaya County police boss Cleti Kimaiyo confirmed the incident and said those who escaped were rushed to the Hospital for medical attention.
“Four people who survived the accident were rushed to Bondo Sub- County Hospital while the bodies of the dead miners were taken by police to Bondo Sub- County Hospital mortuary for post-mortem,” he said.
Kimaiyo also stated that the mine field has been cordoned off and police officers are securing the area to establish the cause of the accident.
Miners Killed in Siaya County
Samuel Olielo, who lost his brother in the collapse, conveyed the sorrow that has overwhelmed the mining community. “We are devastated. Our community has lost hardworking individuals who were trying to make a living,” Olielo stated.
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Raried MP Otiende Amollo also confirmed the death of the miners saying that it was with great sadness that they lost some of the residents.
“We have constantly urged the government to monitor and regulate these artisanal mining for safety! Such wanton Loss of life again! Condolences to the families,” he said.
The area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Gordon Onguru, linked the tragedy to weak walls caused by the use of explosives to crack stones in the region.
“We will await the investigations, but I strongly believe that the collapse was caused by the use of explosives in the mines,” said the MCA.
On his side, the regional mining officer Ben Bera, said that the frequent collapses of mines in the area are attributed to miners not adhering to safety measures.
“The shafts should be constructed to ensure the safety of miners, but unfortunately, many have disregarded these safety measures. We always advocate for obtaining permits before commencing mining,” he stated.
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Other Cases on Mine Shaft Killing People
The incident comes shortly after in May 2024 a miner died in a 50-feet deep gold mine shaft, while three people survived a similar ordeal in a shaft just a few kilometers away from where the seven lost their lives.
However, it took a month to recover the body of Kennedy Ouma, 19, who died in the May 1 incident, with family members having to camp at the site throughout the search.
In April this year, two women died, and five other miners left injured after a gold mine collapsed in Alego-Usonga sub-county, Siaya.
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December 03, 2021. PHOTO/NMG
