- A female miner tragically lost her life when the walls of a gold mining site crumbled around her in Ndori, Rarieda, Siaya County
- Jackline Okola, who had ventured approximately 200 feet underground in search of a better life, became the victim of a disaster that could have been prevented
- Eyewitnesses report that five other miners narrowly escaped, sustaining minor injuries as they frantically tried to rescue Okola from the rubble
A female miner lost her life when the walls of a gold mining site collapsed on her in Ndori, Rarieda, Siaya County.
The victim, identified as Jackline Okola, was part of a group of miners who were approximately 200 feet underground when the disaster struck on Wednesday afternoon, as confirmed by police and local sources.
While five of her fellow miners managed to escape with minor injuries, their attempts to rescue Okola were tragically in vain.
The collapse is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who venture into these hazardous tunnels, often without protective gear, which significantly increases the risk of injury and fatality.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Police recovered Okola’s body from the rubble, which was later taken to Lwak Mission Hospital Mortuary for an autopsy.
According to police reports, her body bore visible bruises on the face and a swollen right knee, indicative of the force of the collapse.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a string of similar tragedies in the region.
Just months ago, three gold miners lost their lives in a comparable collapse at an underground mine in Manyatta village, Vihiga County. In that incident, two others escaped but required immediate medical attention.
Authorities have long warned that the tunnels where these miners operate are dangerously unstable.
Despite these warnings, many locals continue to work in these mines, relying on artisanal mining as a means of survival.
See Also:
1: 7 Dead, 4 Injured as Mine Collapse Leaves Community in Mourning
2: Beef Reaches New Heights as Sammy Boy Buys Audi TT to Undermine Rival Kenyan Prince
Officials have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of these operations, especially as miners often use heavy machinery to crush stones, compromising the structural integrity of the tunnels.
In response to the growing number of accidents, government officials have directed that all mining operations be halted until the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) conducts a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.
This initiative aims to establish safety guidelines to protect miners and the environment alike.
Follow our Facebook page for more updates:
Moreover, miners have been urged to acquire the necessary licenses from relevant government authorities before engaging in mining activities.
The use of heavy machinery has also been prohibited due to its contribution to site instability.
