15 people killed after gold mine collapses in West Pokot

The victims were among dozens of miners working at the gold mine on Thursday evening when the shaft caved in, trapping workers beneath the debris. 

Rescue operations involving the Kenya Red Cross, local residents and security officers continued into Friday as authorities worked to account for all those who had been inside the mine at the time of the collapse.

Officials said several survivors were rescued from the scene and rushed to hospital with injuries, while fears remained that more people could still be trapped underground.

According to residents, more than 60 people are believed to have been inside the mine in Ramos village when the incident occurred. Many of the miners had gone to the site in search of a livelihood but failed to return home after the collapse.

The tragedy sparked scenes of grief and anxiety as relatives gathered near the site awaiting news about their loved ones. Rescue teams have been digging through the rubble amid difficult conditions in an effort to recover bodies and search for possible survivors.

Following the incident, the government, through security officials and relevant departments, suspended all mining activities in the area to allow rescue efforts to continue and to prevent further danger to residents and rescue teams.

Residents have now urged the government to strengthen safety regulations and oversight in gold mining areas, warning that repeated mine accidents continue to put the lives of artisanal miners at risk.