Tension is high in Karon Village, Turkwel, West Pokot County, after four people were on Saturday, June 7 morning killed and several others trapped after a gold mine collapsed.
The injured were rushed to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital for treatment while the bodies of the deceased have been removed to the same facility’s mortuary.
West Pokot County Government Disaster Management Chief Officer David Chepelion says doctors are working round the clock to save the survivors.
“It’s sad that we have lost our people, as the county government we will do everything to ensure we support the affected families,” said Chepelion.
West Pokot leaders, led by Governor Simon Kachapin, rued the incident and condemned illegal mining activities in the area, calling on security forces to take up the matter.
“My deepest condolences to the families affected. To the injured, I wish you a quick recovery. To the families waiting and praying, we are with you. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we remain hopeful. Let us stand together in prayer, compassion, and support during this difficult time,” Kachapin said.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong said; “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life this morning following the collapse of the gold mines in Turkwel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a fast and full recovery.”
The legislator added: “We remain firmly opposed to illegal commercial mining in West Pokot. These operations, driven by greed and carried out without regard for safety or regulation, continue to put lives at risk and exploit our land and people.”
The rescue operation team was led by county police commander and county government staff from disaster management department. They recovered the bodies with help from locals and fellow goldminers.
This comes days after Residents and leaders in West Pokot county protested over illegal mining activities at Orwa, Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Turkwel and Rumos areas
Residents and leaders want the venture stopped citing exploitation by foreigners, environmental destruction, pollution, affecting education, land conflicts among clans and alleged graft where a section of government officers and leaders was said to be compromised.
What happened?
The incident was first reported by one Chris at Marich Police Station at around 3 am. On his account, Chris says that about 15 artisanal workers went to the site — near Turkwel River within Kositei Sub-location — at about 2 am to mine gold.
It was during the mining process that the walls of the mine caved in on them, burying them alive.
“Shortly, other agencies including KDF, GSU, NPR, DCI, ASTU, KWS, NGAO and Red Cross officers were called in to help in rescue operation,” the report reads in part.
During the operation, some people were rescued unhurt while five people with serious injuries were taken to Turkwel Hospital for treatment while other four people had died instantly.
The dead have since been identified as]; Lotudung Leng’ole (49), Lemareng Lorionomut (25), Siliye Chepomerkut (32), and Poshen Termoi (27).
Among the injured include; Kodeng Moses, David Lokodomuk, Lotuwun Tople, Alias Lomerkada, and Alias Ortum.
