An explosion at a gold mine in Ortum, West Pokot has led to the death of one person, according to the police.
The incident took place on Thursday evening at Kamarpol village in Ortum sub-location, Batei location. The miners had dug a 20-foot shaft, which unfortunately collapsed following a blast.
Residents came together to assist in the excavation and successfully recovered the body of a 52-year-old man who had sustained physical injuries to the head.
Investigations revealed that the deceased, accompanied by two other men who escaped unharmed, was using explosives to blast rocks inside the shaft. Tragically, he became trapped inside the exploding shaft and succumbed to his injuries.
The body was transported to the Kapenguria Referral Hospital morgue pending autopsy, as advised by the police. Furthermore, miners were cautioned to avoid the site until it was deemed safe for operations.
This incident comes shortly after another mining tragedy in Manyatta village, Vihiga, where at least three gold miners lost their lives due to a collapse in an underground mine. Two others were fortunate to escape with injuries and were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
It’s noted that the site in Ortum, like many others in the area, serves as a source of livelihood for residents engaging in artisanal mining. However, officials have repeatedly warned about the unsafe conditions of the tunnels where miners operate.
Authorities highlight the need for environmental assessments before mining operations resume, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety measures. Efforts have been made to regulate mining activities, including requiring miners to obtain licenses and refraining from using heavy machinery that compromises the stability of the sites.
