Narok, July 22: A gold mine collapse in Narok County, southwestern Kenya, has resulted in the deaths of at least five miners. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities following the incident.
Police Commander Patrick Lobolia reported that heavy rainfall led to the tunnel’s collapse, raising concerns that more miners may be trapped inside. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate and save those still unaccounted for.
Lobolia stated in a phone interview with Xinhua News Agency, “Rescue teams are on-site and attempting to extract those who are likely still trapped inside.”
He noted that search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the Kilimapesa area, but they are facing challenges due to a lack of specialized mining equipment.
“The rescue operation is progressing slowly due to the shortage of specialized underground search tools and cameras. Several individuals have been safely evacuated and sent to nearby health centers for treatment,” Lobolia added.
Kilimapesa is located approximately 180 kilometers south of Narok town and is home to Kenya’s largest commercial gold mine. This incident has raised growing concerns about safety in Kenya’s gold mining sector, where numerous accidents have resulted in fatalities over recent years.
In light of these recurring accidents, the public and organizations linked to the mining sector have urged the government to enforce safety regulations more strictly and improve standards.
For thousands of small-scale miners in Kenya, gold mining is a significant source of livelihood. However, the lack of regulations and unsafe mining practices in gold-rich areas have led to tragic incidents like this one.
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