Two killed, four others injured in West Pokot gold mine collapse

Two women were killed and four other people injured on Saturday when a gold mine collapsed in Kambi Karaya village, Sigor, West Pokot County.

West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi said the mine, reportedly owned by businessman Osman Suleiman, caved in around 12.30 pm while workers were inside.

The deceased were identified as Cheporenger Lolinganyang, 30, and Cheposera Angoriamot, 40. Their bodies were retrieved and handed over to their families for burial.

The injured survivors were rescued by fellow miners and villagers before being taken to a nearby health facility for treatment.

Witnesses described the terrifying moment the mine gave way.

"We heard a deep, rumbling sound, and before we could react, the walls came crashing down. We tried to dig them out as fast as we could, but for the two women, it was too late," said Peter Long’oria, a fellow miner.

Another resident, Mary Chemtai, urged the government to enforce stronger safety regulations. "We have seen too many deaths in these mines. The government must take action to ensure miners are safe. We cannot keep losing our people like this," she said.

County Commissioner Abdullahi confirmed the incident and assured the public that authorities would investigate the cause of the collapse.

"We have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. We urge all miners and mine owners to prioritise safety," he said.

Residents have called on the county government to regulate mining activities to prevent further loss of life.

The collapse is the latest in a series of fatal mining accidents in the region.

In December, four people were buried alive in a similar incident at the same site. Just last week, an 18-year-old woman was killed while mining gold in Korosion village along the banks of River Turkwel.

As families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy underscores the dangers of artisanal mining, a key source of income for many in the region.