Four people were trapped when a gold mine collapsed in western Kenya early Thursday.
In the Kakamega County incident, 12 tradesmen were initially trapped for hours.
Eight of the victims were rescued by community members this morning after hours of digging and are in stable condition.
Local news reported that the miners were working in an old mine shaft and were not authorized by the local government.
“They are risking their lives and most of the people here are mainly young people doing this work. Because of the unemployment problem, people are getting their hands on anything that can put food on the table,” said Kakamega County Commissioner John Ondego.
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He added that night time digging is no longer allowed.
Landmine accidents are common in parts of western Kenya.
Mining company Agold reported in January this year that three workers were killed after an explosion in western Kenya, blaming illegal mining activities, the Associated Press reported.
A wall built to prevent flooding and illegal raids was destroyed by illegal miners, causing an explosion, Karibe Gold Mining said in a statement Monday.
Three other workers were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. His terms were not immediately available.
In 2020, four miners died and 15 were injured after a gold mine collapsed in Megori.
