Siaya mine tragedy: Rescue operation stalls as excavators are withdrawn
Local artisans help in rescue operations at Abimbo gold mine in Bondo, Siaya County, on December 8, 2021. Eight people have so far been rescued, one has died while one is still trapped in the mine.
It is more pain for the family whose kin is trapped under the rubble at Abimbo gold mine in Siaya County after excavators aiding rescue operations were withdrawn.
Bondo Deputy County Commissioner Richard Karani, who confirmed the withdrawal of the machinery, said rescue efforts by local miners are still ongoing. He said that the Siaya County government was making arrangements to acquire specialised equipment.
“The machines have been withdrawn but the Siaya County government is making arrangements to have an excavator and a crane on site,” said Mr Karani.
The operations have been going on to rescue Tom Okwach, 35, who is still trapped in the mine.
On December 2, 10 gold diggers got trapped inside the mine after it caved in. Eight miners were rescued while one died. The family of the trapped miner has called on the government to use sophisticated machinery to rescue their kin. By last Wednesday, the miners were still trying to reach their colleague.
According to the lead rescuers Nobert Aketch and Edwin Ogilo, they were close to Mr Okwach and could rescue him within 24 hours. This is yet to be achieved.
“We have constructed wooden boxes which will help prevent the crumbling soil from covering the rescuers and Mr Okwach. If all goes well, we may reach him (Mr Okwach) since we have covered more than 140 feet out of 150 feet,” said Mr Aketch.
Mr Aketch confirmed that most mine accidents occur due to negligence and omissions by the owners of the shafts and lack of a regulatory authority to regulate the activities.
However, the compressor which was pumping oxygen to the victim’s underground is said to have gone silent bringing to question whether the trapped miner is getting oxygen supply.
