Two women die after gold mine collapses in Siaya

Two women have died and five other miners have been left injured after a gold mine collapsed in Alego-Usonga sub-county, Siaya County.

Maureen Anyango, 28, and Beryl Atieno,40, died on Saturday evening after the mining shaft collapsed and buried them alive.

According to Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo, officers who arrived at the scene confirmed that four other miners were also buried under the debris but were still alive.

Anyango and Atieno died on the spot while their other colleagues Owaga and Consolata Ooko were rescued by members of public and rushed to Siaya County referral hospital for treatment.

The police boss added that 29-year-old Grace Akinyi, Moses Omondi and George Odhiambo escaped unhurt.

The scene was processed and documented before the bodies of the two miners were moved to Siaya County referral hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Meanwhile, the mining site's owner Joseph Okoth has been arrested and will remain under police custody at Kogelo police station where he is aiding in investigations.