Nairobi, May 9 -- An illegal mining incident that has claimed 15 lives and left five other people seriously injured in West Pokot County has once again underscored the grave danger that lurks behind the allure of quick wealth.

The victims, 12 men and three women, were waiting for gold ore to be brought to the surface for processing when the rocks suddenly rolled down the hill in Kacheliba constituency, crushing them. The survivors suffered severe fractures and traumatic head injuries.

The local community is in deep mourning, with the leaders calling for strict safety regulations for the artisanal miners, who have dug massive pits in their search for the precious metal.

Rescue teams searched through the debris amid fears that more peopl...