At least 10 people have been confirmed dead after a gold mining pit collapsed in Romos, West Pokot county, with fears that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Lopet area chief Isaac Lomwai said the incident occurred on Thursday evening when hundreds of artisanal miners were inside the gold pits before tonnes of debris buried them alive.
Lomwai confirmed that tens of other miners were rescued and rushed to Turkwel Dispensary for treatment.
According to sources at the scene, local residents have been using their bare hands to dig through the debris in search of survivors and bodies, as emergency teams race against time to reach those still trapped underground. It is estimated that more than 100 people were inside the pits when the rockfall occurred.
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The Kenya Red Cross said rescue efforts were ongoing at Rumos Hills, where community members were engaged in informal gold mining activities.
The agency said sounds were still being heard from beneath the collapsed site, raising hopes that some victims could still be alive underground.
According to the humanitarian organisation, at least 11 casualties had been reported by Thursday night, including three critically injured victims who were referred to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.
Kenya Red Cross Society personnel were supporting rescue efforts alongside local authorities and residents.
The tragedy comes barely a week after Governor Simon Kachapin warned of legal action against illegal gold mining activities in the county.
Speaking while addressing journalists recently, the governor accused powerful individuals of exploiting local resources while destroying the environment, adding that the community was increasingly frustrated over the continued illegal mining operations.
Despite repeated deaths reported in gold mining areas such as Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Morita and Romos, residents continue returning to the dangerous pits in search of livelihoods, often risking their lives in unsafe mining conditions.