Illegal Gold Mine Collapse Claims Five Lives in Northern Kenya
An illegal gold mine collapse in northern Kenya has resulted in the loss of at least five lives, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday, May 26th.
The collapse occurred at the Hillo mine in the Dabel area, near the border with Ethiopia, and was reportedly triggered by a landslide.
Marsabit County Police Commander, Patrick Mwakio, revealed that the miners tragically perished beneath the debris, with no chance of survival. As rescue efforts continue, there are fears that more casualties may be discovered.
This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding mining activities in the region. In March, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki declared the area disturbed and banned mining operations following fatal clashes over a mining dispute, which claimed the lives of seven individuals.
The illegal nature of the mining activities exacerbates the tragedy. Reports indicate that no environmental impact assessment had been conducted, and concerns were raised regarding the stability of the tunnels, which were described as precarious and at risk of collapse.
Despite the ban imposed by authorities, residents claim that mining operations persisted unabated, pointing fingers at the failure of law enforcement to effectively curb illegal activities in the area.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophe, questions arise about accountability and the enforcement of regulations to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Source: Africanews
