- At least 10 people confirmed dead after mine collapse in West Pokot County
- Incident occurred in Romos area during artisanal gold mining activities
- Rescue teams and residents continue search for trapped miners
- Authorities fear death toll could rise as operations continue
- Families gather at the scene awaiting news of missing relatives
- Leaders call for stricter mining safety measures following tragedy
A major tragedy has struck West Pokot County after at least 10 people were confirmed dead following the collapse of a gold mining pit in the Romos area.
The deadly incident reportedly happened on Thursday evening while hundreds of artisanal miners were working inside the mining site. Witnesses said huge amounts of soil and debris suddenly caved in, trapping several miners underground.
According to Lopet area chief Isaac Lomwai, rescue teams, local residents, and emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately after the collapse in an attempt to save those trapped beneath the rubble.
However, rescue operations have been slowed by unstable ground conditions and the massive amount of debris covering the affected pit. Authorities now fear the number of casualties could increase as search efforts continue.
Officials are still working to determine the exact number of miners who were inside the collapsed section at the time of the accident.
The tragedy has left families and residents devastated, with many gathering near the site anxiously waiting for updates about relatives and friends believed to be trapped underground.
Artisanal mining remains a key source of income for many communities in parts of Kenya, especially in remote regions where employment opportunities are limited. However, safety concerns surrounding small-scale mining activities have repeatedly raised alarm among experts and local leaders.
Following the latest incident, leaders from the area have called for stronger regulation of mining activities and improved safety measures to prevent future disasters.
Some residents are also urging the government to strengthen monitoring systems and provide better protection for artisanal miners who often work in risky and poorly supported conditions.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with Kenyans across the country sending condolences and prayers to affected families as rescue operations continue.
Attention now remains focused on the ongoing search efforts as authorities race against time to locate possible survivors beneath the collapsed mine.
