Three artisanal miners are feared dead after a goldmine collapsed at Ogago A village, North Sakwa Ward, Bondo Sub-county, on Friday evening.

The three, who hail from the neighbouring Rarieda Sub-County, were trapped after the mine shaft they were working on collapsed and buried them alive.

The collapse of the goldmine in Siaya happened less than 24 hours after a similar incident, some 900 kilometres away in West Pokot in north-western Kenya. The Romos goldmine accident claimed 15 lives – most of them women and children.

According to Boaz Ajuaga, a resident of Ogago A village, the shaft walls caved in a second time at around 3am, as he attempted to rescue his brother.

Area Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Oliver Arika, who visited the scene, confirmed that leaders from the area led by Speaker George Okode, have already mobilised resources to commence rescue of the three miners.

Beatrice Hilda, relative of one the three victims appealed to the county and national government to help them find their loved ones, even as rescue mission takes-off.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Brian Ondeng