Two miners suffocate to death inside gold mine in Migori

Suna West Sub-county Police Commander Chrispine Ogutu said the two young men accessed the shaft on Thursday and were later found dead by their colleagues.

According to preliminary investigations, the miners sneaked into the shaft while it still contained toxic gases produced during rock blasting operations carried out on Tuesday. The gases, which can linger for several days, are highly dangerous and can cause suffocation when inhaled in confined underground spaces.

Mr Ogutu noted that the deceased had been warned to keep off the mine for a specified period to allow the toxic fumes to dissipate, but they ignored the advisory.

The bodies were retrieved from the shaft and taken to Migori Referral Hospital mortuary, where they are being preserved pending post-mortem examinations.

Mr Ogutu urged artisanal miners in the area to exercise caution while prospecting for gold and to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.