A gold mining site in West Pokot has collapsed, leaving several miners feared trapped beneath the rubble. The incident has sparked urgent rescue operations as families and community members await news of their loved ones.
Highlights:
- A gold mine collapsed in the Pokot Central area of West Pokot County.
- Several miners are believed to be trapped underground.
- Rescue teams and local volunteers are working to retrieve the victims.
- The cause of the collapse is suspected to be unstable underground structures.
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Main Story:
Tragedy struck West Pokot County after a section of a gold mine collapsed in Pokot Central, leaving miners trapped beneath tons of soil and rock. The incident occurred during active mining hours, sending panic through the nearby community.
Eyewitnesses report that several miners were working deep within the mine when the collapse happened. As of now, the exact number of those trapped remains unclear, but families have flocked to the site, hoping for positive news.
Local authorities, the Kenya Red Cross, and community volunteers have joined forces in a race against time to rescue those still underground. Heavy machinery has been brought in to support the digging, but unstable ground conditions have slowed down operations.
Initial reports suggest the collapse may have been caused by weak support beams and lack of proper mining infrastructure. Residents say informal mining has become common in the area, often operating without safety protocols. Calls for tighter regulation of artisanal mines have resurfaced in the wake of the tragedy.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has visited the site and assured families that every effort is being made to rescue those affected. He also called for stricter enforcement of mining safety standards to prevent future incidents.
As rescue teams dig through the rubble, the collapse in West Pokot stands as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath Kenya’s booming gold trade.
