According to Austine Lawrence, the mine manager, the explosion originated from a nearby shaft where miners were reportedly handling explosives, locally known as baruti. At the time, 37 miners were trapped inside the underground tunnels.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to evacuate trapped miners. Emergency response units from the county government, alongside local volunteers, worked through the night to reach those still trapped.
Eight miners were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. Their conditions range from critical to stable, according to sources at the health facilities. Authorities have called for calm as operations continue.
Lawrence explained that the explosion caused part of the shaft to collapse, leaving many miners stranded. He confirmed that safety protocols were in place but noted that mining remains a high-risk activity in the area.
County officials have joined rescue efforts, urging families and the public to cooperate. They stressed the importance of adhering to safety regulations and proper handling of explosives during mining activities.
Local residents gathered near the mining site, expressing concern for the trapped miners and praying for their safe retrieval. The incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter mining oversight.
Investigations into the cause of the blast are underway. Authorities plan to interview survivors and examine safety records to determine whether negligence or unsafe practices contributed to the collapse.
This latest tragedy adds to a growing list of mining accidents across the country. Experts warn that informal mining operations without proper safety measures remain a major threat to lives in Kakamega and beyond.
Residents have been urged to avoid entering the mining area until rescue operations are complete. The county government has promised to support affected families and enhance safety enforcement in local mines.
The community continues to monitor updates closely, hoping that rescue teams can safely recover all miners trapped underground. Officials have assured the public that every possible resource is being deployed.
A full report on casualties and the status of rescue operations is expected later today. Authorities have appealed to miners nationwide to prioritize safety and avoid handling explosives recklessly.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by miners in rural Kakamega. Safety experts are calling for nationwide training and stricter enforcement to prevent further loss of life in informal mining operations.
Authorities continue to coordinate with medical teams, rescue personnel, and local leaders to manage the situation. Families of the injured and deceased are receiving counseling and support as operations proceed.
The county government has promised a thorough review of mining practices in Marcliff. Officials say the accident will inform future safety regulations and stricter oversight of mining activities in Kakamega County.
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