Gold Mine Collapse Kills Two, Injures Four as Safety Concerns Mount

West Pokot County was rocked by tragedy after a gold mine collapsed, killing two women and leaving four others injured. The incident occurred on Friday in Sekerr Ward, where artisanal miners were working when the mine’s walls caved in.

According to local authorities, the victims were inside the pit when loose soil suddenly gave way, trapping them beneath. Efforts to rescue them were hampered by the unstable ground, and by the time help arrived, two women had succumbed. The four survivors sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The disaster has reignited concerns over the safety of artisanal mining in the region. Many small-scale miners operate without proper safety measures, making them vulnerable to such accidents. Local leaders have called on the government to regulate the industry and provide better equipment and training for miners.

“This is not the first time we have lost lives in mining accidents. We need urgent intervention to prevent further tragedies,” said a local resident.

Authorities have since launched an investigation into the collapse. Meanwhile, grieving families are calling for justice and better safety measures to protect miners in the future.

West Pokot is one of several counties in Kenya where artisanal gold mining is common. However, the sector remains largely informal, with many miners working in hazardous conditions. As the community mourns, pressure is mounting on the government to take action before more lives are lost.