Three artisanal miners lost their lives after being trapped in a collapsed gold mine at Rera Village, South Gem, in Gem Wagai Sub-County.

The victims, Stephen Odhiambo (24), Musa (30), and Ja Migori (45), were carrying out their usual mining activities around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday when the mining shaft caved in, burying them alive.

Kennedy Ogola, the chairman of the Rera mining site, maintained that safety precautions were always observed at the site, calling the incident an unavoidable accident.

Grieving families expressed their anguish, blaming the tragedy on economic hardships that push young men into risky artisanal mining.

George Ogada, who lost his son, and Richard Omondi Ombima, who lost his brother-in-law, lamented the harsh conditions miners endure in their quest for a livelihood.

The widows of the deceased, Elizabeth Achieng and Jemila Awuor, appealed for government support to help care for the children left behind.

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, who visited the scene, urged the national government to take urgent action to improve safety in mining sites, emphasizing the need for better working conditions for miners.