By County Splash Team
Three artisanal gold miners died while nine others were rescued after a goldmine buried them alive at Sigalagala area in Shinyalu Sub County at 2am.
Kakamega County Commissioner John Ondego confirmed the incident rescue mission is still ongoing.
Ondego said two more people are still stuck under the rubble but assured the families of the affected miners to remain calm until the rescue mission is over.
He said the nine survivors have been taken to various hospitals in the county from where they are under specialized treatment.
“The concerted efforts by this team managed to rescue nine people alive of which, six were rushed to Kakamega County General Hospital , two were taken Shieywe Hospital and the other to St Elizabeth Mukumu Mission Hospital,” said Ondego
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa speaking at Enashipai Resort in Naivasha condoled with the families of the deceased and wished the survivors quick recovery.
“Regrettably, by the time of this press briefing, three fatalities have been confirmed, two at the shafts’ sites and one at the General Hospital while receiving specialized medical attention,” said Barasa
Mr. Barasa asked residents living in houses that have developed cracks near the goldmine that collapsed to vacate with immediate effect.
“It has been observed that buildings adjacent to the main goldmine have developed notable cracks and pose further risks to people as well as property,” said Barasa
Fernandes Barasa pleaded with the miners to comply with the regulations put in place to ensure their safety while at work.
Story Dante Kayugira, Iptisam Abdalla, Yvonne Chebeni and Atanas Walila
