At least three miners were last evening still trapped underground after a gold mine collapsed at Sigalagala mining shaft in Ikolomani, Kakamega County. Earlier in the day, nine miners were rescued alive, and rescue efforts are going on. Mr Patrick Mukhule, the Kakamega Mining Resilient Team chairman, said the tragedy occurred at 1am and the rescue mission started immediately. "A team of 10 youths immediately swung into action because they understand how the shafts are constructed. They managed to bring out the eight miners," said Mr Mukhule. "A rescue operation is under way to get out the remaining miners. But the rescuers have to exercise a lot of caution because of the delicate soil," said Mr Mukhule. Kakamega has one of the largest mining operations in Western Kenya. However, mines are considered extremely dangerous. Miners die frequently due to poor safety precautions and a lack of supervision.
