Deadly Rockfall Strikes Kenyan Gold Mine, Trapping Miners in West Pokot County
NAIROBI — A devastating rockfall at an informal gold mining site in Rumos Hills, West Pokot County, has left at least 15 people dead, with fears mounting that more miners may still be trapped underground. The tragedy unfolded on Friday as local residents were engaged in artisanal mining, prompting a swift response from emergency crews, authorities, and community members.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night, racing against time to locate survivors amid the rubble. Officials reported hearing faint sounds from beneath the collapsed site hours after the incident, sparking hope that some miners may still be alive. However, the challenging terrain and unstable debris have slowed progress, leaving countless families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
In a statement released on Friday, the Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that 11 fatalities had been recorded, with three critically injured miners rushed to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for urgent treatment. The agency emphasized that its teams were working closely with local authorities and residents to bolster rescue efforts.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation in the aftermath of the collapse. Villagers, armed with shovels and makeshift tools, rushed to the site to assist in digging through the debris. Many tearfully recounted how the miners were simply trying to eke out a living in the informal sector, which is often fraught with danger due to inadequate safety measures.
“We heard screams after the rocks came tumbling down,” said one local resident, who requested anonymity. “Everyone just ran to help, but it’s so hard to get through the rubble without proper equipment. We’re praying for a miracle.”
Medical teams at Kapenguria Referral Hospital remain on high alert, prepared to receive additional casualties as rescue operations continue. Meanwhile, authorities have urged caution, warning that the unstable ground could lead to further collapses.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by artisanal miners in Kenya, who often work in perilous conditions with little to no safety regulations. Informal mining is a crucial source of income for many rural communities, but the lack of oversight and proper infrastructure leaves workers vulnerable to accidents like this.
Local officials have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and reiterated the need for stricter safety measures in the mining sector. “This is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by our miners,” said a West Pokot County representative. “We must take immediate action to prevent such disasters in the future.”
As the rescue mission continues, the community remains united in its efforts to save any remaining survivors. For now, the focus is on hope—hope that the faint sounds from beneath the rubble are a sign of life, and that more miners can be brought to safety.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has appealed for public support to aid in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, noting that resources are stretched thin.
— Reported by Nexio News
