A tragic incident unfolded in Ruga village, Kowidi Location, Rachuonyo South, on Monday afternoon, where four men lost their lives due to suffocation in an abandoned gold mine. The miners had entered the site without any oxygen-supporting equipment during an unauthorized expedition, leading to a heartbreaking outcome.
According to reports, the group of five miners entered the unmonitored site around 11 a.m. However, only four of them ventured deeper into the mine, while the fifth man remained at the entrance. Kowidi Location Chief Lucas Juma revealed that the deceased descended into the mine relying solely on a rope, without any tools or safety equipment.
When the fifth miner noticed that the rope had stopped moving, he called out but received no response. Realizing something was amiss, he raised the alarm, prompting a response from local authorities.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua confirmed the unfortunate incident, stating that the four miners, whose identities are still being verified, succumbed within minutes of entering the dangerous site. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols and seeking professional guidance for those interested in mining activities.
Following the incident, authorities have recovered the bodies and transported them to the Rachuonyo South Sub-County Mortuary. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are currently underway, as community members grapple with the loss and the risks associated with unauthorized mining activities.
