Five women die as gold mine shaft collapses in Siaya

The women, who were reportedly six in number, were performing routine mining tasks when the mining shaft suddenly caved in around 3:00 p.m., burying them alive.

According to eyewitnesses, locals immediately began rescue efforts following the collapse.

After about three hours of effort, they managed to retrieve the bodies of five women.

The search for the sixth woman’s body is still ongoing.

Siaya County Police Commander, Mrs. Serah Koki, confirmed the incident, stating that police and National Government Administration officers are on the ground coordinating the search and rescue efforts.

She noted that more details into the incident would be provided later. 

The bodies have been removed to the Bondo sub-county hospital mortuary to await postmortem examination.

This incident comes just a week after three artisanal miners lost their lives in a similar gold mine accident in Rera village, Gem Wagai sub-county, raising concerns over safety in local mining operations.