The death toll following the collapse of a gold mine at Rumos Hills in West Pokot County has risen to 15, including 10 women, as rescue operations continue at the site.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, at least six people have been rescued alive and rushed to hospital for treatment, while fears remain that more miners could still be trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities said the victims were buried after a huge stone reportedly fell onto the section where informal mining activities were taking place before the mine collapsed.
“We are continuing with the rescue operations. A stone fell on the section they were working on before collapsing the mine, leaving them trapped,” said Lopet Chief Isaac Lomwai.
Emergency teams, including police officers, Red Cross personnel, local authorities and residents, have been working at the scene since the incident occurred in an effort to locate survivors and recover bodies.
The Kenya Red Cross stated that rescue operations were still ongoing, adding that reports of sounds being heard beneath the collapsed site had raised hopes that some miners could still be alive underground.
More than 12 people are reported to have sustained injuries during the incident. Medical officials said several victims were taken to nearby health facilities, with some in critical condition transferred to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.
Doctor Caren Cheyech from Kapenguria Hospital confirmed that the facility had admitted several patients from the scene.
“We have received about six patients, and two of them have serious injuries and have been taken for surgery. We are closely monitoring them and providing the necessary medical assistance,” she said.
The tragedy comes days after Governor Simon Kachapin raised concerns over increasing cases of illegal and unsafe mining activities in the region.
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