A 32-year-old woman tragically lost her life when a gold mining shaft collapsed at Uradi village in Siaya County on Monday evening. Area Assistant Chief Grace Otieno identified the deceased as Rosemary Anyango, who was working alongside four others at the time of the incident.
According to Otieno, the women were engaged in their regular mining activities when the shaft suddenly gave way. Four of the women managed to escape with minor injuries, but Rosemary, who was at the deepest part of the shaft, became trapped.
During the rescue attempt, a 20-year-old man named Brandon Omondi sustained injuries while trying to enter the collapsed shaft to save Rosemary. The shaft continued to cave in, injuring Brandon’s lower limbs. He was rushed to Siaya County Referral Hospital, treated, and later discharged.
The Assistant Chief confirmed that Rosemary's body was eventually recovered and taken to the Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it will be preserved for a postmortem examination. Otieno also urged artisanal miners to avoid operating during the rainy season, as the shafts become increasingly unstable.
