Three people were killed and six others injured on Monday, January 23, 2023, after an explosion near a gold mining site in Kibisem village in Tinderet, Nandi county.
According to Samwel Kogo, the outgoing chief for Kibisem location, the explosion which occurred at around 2:00 pm is believed to have been caused by chemicals used in gold exploration activities.
The administrator said those killed in the incident were busy working at the Karebe mining site.
"We also had another team which was extracting gold from the opposite side that was using explosive devices...That is how the three workers died," Kogo noted.
Bodies of the deceased persons were taken to Nandi Hills County Hospital Mortuary and the survivors were rushed to Chemase Health Centre for emergency treatment before being referred to Nandihills County Hospital where they are being monitored.
"Gold mining activities have been going on in this area for many years but we have never experienced deaths resulting from explosions. It is unfortunate to lose lives in such a manner and proper training needs to be given to those involved," Koso said.
He added: "How can someone detonate an explosion without taking necessary precautionary measures like checking if there are people inside the quarry? We have lost three lives and six other people injured. The incident is shocking."
