One dead, others trapped as gold mine collapses in West Pokot

Rescue operations are ongoing in the Kambi Karaya area of West Pokot County following the collapse of a gold mine.

According to police reports, one body has been recovered, while several others remain unaccounted for. The incident was reported at Marich Police Station at 5:30 p.m.

“At Kambi Karaya area, an unknown number of artisanal gold prospectors are believed buried alive. Efforts are underway to retrieve any casualties. One female casualty has been retrieved deceased,” the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed.

Rescue teams from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and the Kenya Red Cross are currently on the scene, coordinating efforts to locate and retrieve those still trapped.

The tragedy comes just 10 days after a similar incident in Karon village, Turkwel area of West Pokot County, where four miners lost their lives after a pit collapsed at around 3:00 a.m. on June 7.

The incidents have sparked renewed concerns over the safety of artisanal mining operations in the region, with calls for stricter regulation and improved safety measures to protect miners’ lives.