As per the officials and local media, an informal gold mine collapsed in northern Kenya, claiming the lives of at least five people, with several others reported missing, as per the officials and local media.
The incident occurred at the Hillo artisanal mine, where the bodies of five miners have already been recovered, while another three individuals remain unaccounted for, revealed regional commissioner Paul Rotich in a conversation with Reuters.
Rotich further elaborated that information gathered from rescuers, police, and local chiefs indicates that at least eight casual miners were inside the mining ground when the walls collapsed, trapping them underneath.
Two miners who sustained injuries were rushed to the hospital, as reported by Kenyan broadcaster. Marsabit county commissioner David Saruni attributed the collapse to the heavy rains, stating to Kenyan broadcaster, “The place caved in because of the rains.”
This tragic incident adds to the toll of casualties caused by the ongoing torrential rains in Kenya, which have led to numerous floods and landslides across the country, claiming hundreds of lives.
Despite authorities having closed the mine near the Ethiopian border back in March, following fatal clashes between local communities over access to the area, mining activities had persisted, as highlighted by news media.
The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in informal mining operations, often characterized by unsafe working conditions and lack of proper regulation. It underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures and oversight in such settings to prevent further loss of life.
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