An illegal gold mine collapsed in northern Kenya when the area caved in because of the rains, leaving at least five miners dead, police said Saturday.
The collapse of the Hillo mine in the Dabel area near the Kenyan border with Ethiopia on Friday was attributed to a landslide. Marsabit County Police Commander Patrick Mwakio said the miners died on the spot after the debris covered them.
Two injured miners were taken to hospital, Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported on Saturday morning.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki in March declared the area disturbed and banned mining activities after clashes over a mining dispute led to the deaths of seven people.
Residents told media outlets that mining had continued despite the March ban and blamed authorities for allowing it.
Peoplesmind