SIAYA: 5 Women Killed In A Gold Mine Collapse As New Update Given
At least five female artisanal miners were killed when a gold mine collapsed in the Lumba gold mine in North Ramba, Rarieda sub-county, Siaya.
According to police, the event occurred on Monday, March 3, in the afternoon, when a group of women entered a tunnel to search for minerals.
One woman was missing following the fall, and police said efforts to bring her to safety continued into the night.
She had not been retrieved by Tuesday morning, and officials suspect she had died despite efforts to locate her.
Five people confirmed dead after a goldmine site collapsed last evening at Lumba goldmine in Rarieda, Siaya County. All the five victims were women, according to a police report. pic.twitter.com/jEN8HFF3su
— tv47ke (@Tv47Newske) March 4, 2025
The tragedy occurred a week after three artisanal miners perished in a similar gold mine disaster in Rera village, Gem Wagai sub-county, increasing concerns about the safety of local mining operations in the region.
The six ladies in Rarieda were apparently completing typical mining operations when the mining shaft abruptly caved in around 3:00 p.m., burying them alive, according to witnesses and authorities.
Following the collapse of the tunnel, people went to their aid, retrieving five dead hours later. Serah Koki, the Siaya County Police Commander, confirmed the occurrence.
She stated that multi-agency teams had visited the spot as part of their search for the missing woman. She stated that they are investigating the disaster.
The bodies were taken to the Bondo sub-county hospital mortuary for postmortem assessment.
Such events are widespread at gold mining sites around the country, prompting requests for safety measures to address them.
The mining sites are located in Siaya, Migori, Kakamega, Moyale, West Pokot, Isiolo, and Taita Taveta. According to officials, more than one fatality has been reported at each of these places.
This is the latest incident to occur at a mining site, prompting calls for safety measures to address the trend.
Hundreds of people walk into the tunnels to mine gold and other minerals for a living.
Officials, on the other hand, claim that the tunnels into which the miners venture are too dangerous to operate.
According to the government, miners utilize heavy machinery to break stones in their artisanal activity, ignoring the environmental consequences.
As part of attempts to combat the threat, government officials have always directed those participating in mining activities to cease operations.
ALSO READ:
- United States Sets Travel Restriction On 3 Separate Dozens Of Countries
- Kenyan Police Killed, Another Wounded And Their Rifles Stolen in Mandera
- ‘Stop Early Campaigns!’ – Raila Tells Politicians
- ‘My Work Is In The Senate!’ – Senator Sifuna Speaks On Missing Ruto’s Nairobi Tour
- Autopsy Reveals Body Injuries On Man Killed By Ruto Motorcade’s Hit-And-Run
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been asked to conduct an environmental impact study and provide ecological recommendations before mining operations resume.
Nema officials were asked to conduct environmental impact assessments and provide reports at the sites as part of attempts to address safety concerns.
The gold miners are also required to get licenses from all necessary government bodies before beginning operations.
They have been instructed not to use heavy machinery in the locations. These equipments weaken the sites, making them dangerous for miners.
SIAYA: 5 Women Killed In A Gold Mine Collapse As New Update Given
