At least five female artisanal miners died in a tragic accident at the Lumba gold mine in North Ramba, Rarieda sub-county, Siaya County.
Police said the incident happened on Monday March 3 afternoon as a group ventured into a tunnel for the minerals.
One woman was missing after the collapse and efforts to bring her to safety went to the night, police said.
The incident comes a week after three artisanal miners lost their lives in a similar gold mine accident in Rera village, Gem Wagai sub-county, raising concerns over safety in local mining operations.
The women, who were reportedly six in number, were performing routine mining tasks when the mining shaft suddenly caved in around 3:00 p.m., burying them alive.
According to eyewitnesses, locals immediately began rescue efforts following the collapse.
After about three hours of effort, they managed to retrieve the bodies of five women.
Siaya County Police Commander, Mrs. Serah Koki, confirmed the incident, stating that police and National Government Administration officers are on the ground coordinating the search and rescue efforts.
She said they are investigating the tragedy.
The bodies were removed to the Bondo sub-county hospital mortuary to await postmortem examination.
Such incidents are common in gold mining sites amid calls for safety to address them.
The miners are accused of using heavy weaponry to excavate the products which weakens the walls hence the collapse.
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