Two artisanal miners died while two others were rescued after a gold mining shaft collapsed in Rera Sub-location, South Gem, Siaya County, on Saturday evening.
The four miners were working underground in the shaft during their routine operations when the structure caved in, trapping them inside.
According to a police report, local authorities and community members swiftly launched a rescue operation, which led to the successful retrieval of Evans Mbogo and Walter Nyaoko Okech. The two survivors were rushed to a nearby health facility, where they are receiving treatment.
However, efforts to recover the remaining two miners took several more hours. The bodies of Dickson Odongo (30) and Michael Oduor (23) were retrieved at different intervals — Odongo’s at around 3:15 a.m. and Oduor’s at approximately 5:45 a.m.
Police said the rescue mission was slowed down by the unstable condition of the mine, which continued to collapse during the night, posing additional risks to the rescuers.
In response to the tragedy, local administrators have suspended all mining operations in Rera Sub-location until the rainy season ends. During this period, safety inspections will be conducted across all mining sites to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards before activities resume.
Authorities have also scheduled a community sensitization meeting to raise awareness on mining safety and strengthen emergency response preparedness within the area.
