The death toll following the collapse of gold mine in the Ramos area of Kacheliba Constituency, West Pokot County, has risen to 15.

Kenya Red Cross confirmed on Friday that 10 of the victims are women, while at least six other people have so far been rescued and rushed to hospital for treatment.

The victims were among dozens of miners working at the site on Thursday evening when the mine shaft suddenly collapsed, trapping workers beneath the debris.

The incident occurred as residents were carrying out artisanal gold mining activities at the site, prompting a major response from emergency teams, local authorities, and community members, who joined efforts to account for everyone believed to have been inside the mine at the time of the collapse.

According to residents, more than 60 people are believed to have been inside the mine in Ramos village when the incident occurred.

Earlier, officials at the scene said sounds were still being heard from beneath the rubble hours after the collapse, raising hopes that some victims may still be alive.

“So far, 11 casualties have been reported, including three critically injured individuals who have been referred to Kapenguria Referral Hospital,” the Kenya Red Cross Society said in a statement on Thursday night.

Families gathered at the scene in anguish as emergency responders carried out intensive search and recovery operations following the deadly mine collapse.

Following the incident, the government, through security officials and relevant departments, suspended all mining activities in the area to facilitate ongoing rescue operations and prevent further risk to residents and emergency responders.

Residents have since called on the government to tighten safety regulations and enhance oversight in gold mining zones, warning that recurring mine accidents continue to endanger the lives of artisanal miners.