A gold mine collapsed in Kambi Karaya, West Pokot County. The accident killed at least four people, including a 14-year-old boy. Several others remain trapped underground.
The collapse happened today as miners worked inside the shafts. Witnesses say the ground suddenly gave way. The soil buried the miners alive. Locals rushed to the scene and tried to rescue them.
Police and county disaster officers later joined the rescue. The unstable ground slowed their work. Families of missing miners waited at the site for news.
Officials confirmed the recovery of four bodies. They warned that the number could rise. Survivors said the mine was overcrowded when it collapsed.
Kambi Karaya has a history of unsafe mining. Small-scale miners work without safety checks or protective gear. Many take risks in search of gold. Past accidents in the area have claimed lives.
County leaders condemned the repeated accidents. They urged closure of illegal mining sites. They also called for stronger enforcement of safety rules. Residents argue that mining is their only source of income.
The county government promised help for affected families. Leaders asked the national government to regulate artisanal mining. They also urged the creation of safer alternatives for locals.
Rescue teams continue digging through the rubble. Families still hope to find survivors. Experts warn that more lives will be lost unless urgent action is taken.
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