A gold mine collapse in Lumba Village, Siaya has resulted in the deaths of seven artisanal miners, plunging the local community into grief. The tragic event occurred on Tuesday morning at the Kasweto gold mine in Rarieda Sub-county.
Among the victims, eleven miners were inside the shaft when it caved in.
Samuel Olielo, who lost his brother in the collapse, expressed the sorrow that has enveloped the mining community. "We are devastated. Our community has lost hardworking individuals trying to make a living," Olielo said.
County Commander Cleti Kimaiyo confirmed the incident, stating that eight miners were injured and have been taken to Bondo Sub-county Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have also been moved to the hospital morgue.
Local authorities, including Siaya County Police, have cordoned off the minefield, with officers securing the area to prevent further accidents. Police Commander Kimaiyo noted that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse.
The area's Member of County Assembly (MCA), Gordon Onguru, linked the tragedy to weak mine walls caused by the use of explosives to crack the surrounding stones. "We suspect the collapse was due to explosives used in the mines, but we will wait for the investigation results," Onguru remarked.
The deceased miners' bodies were retrieved by local residents and transported to Bondo hospital mortuary. Four of the miners who escaped the collapse sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
Regional mining officer Ben Bera attributed the frequent mine collapses in the area to the neglect of safety measures by artisanal miners. "Proper shaft construction is crucial for miners' safety, but many neglect these measures. We advocate for obtaining permits before starting mining operations," Bera stated.
This incident comes just two months after another miner died in a nearby mine, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by miners in the region. In the previous incident, it took a month to recover the body of 19-year-old Kennedy Ouma, with family members camping at the site to speed up the recovery process.
The Siaya community mourns the loss of its members and calls for stricter safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. As investigations continue, the hope is that this devastating event will prompt changes in mining practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all miners in the area.
Authorities are urging miners to adhere to safety protocols and obtain necessary permits to prevent further loss of life.
This incident comes after an illegal gold mine collapsed in Garissa in May and claimed the lives of five people.
