Nakuru man dies in sand excavation tragedy

One man died and six others were injured when a pit from which they were excavating sand caved in at Mona village in Molo sub-county on Sunday evening.

Molo police chief Daniel Kamanza said Peter Rono, who suffered serious injuries, was rushed to Molo Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Jairus Kiprono, a survivor, the seven men were excavating sand when the wall of the pit caved in at around 5pm.

"It happened fast and the sand collapsed on us as we were over 30m down. Local residents managed to rescue six of us but our colleague, who was totally buried, died," said Mr Kiprono.

He said it was difficult to rescue the deceased because he was in the deeper end of the pit and the rescuers did not have proper equipment.

"Our colleague cried for help but it was difficult to rescue him because we were using hoes that slowed us down. It took at least one hour to reach him," said Kiprono.

The survivor, who was partially buried, said they would continue to excavate sand to earn a living due to the high rate of unemployment in the area.

"We are forced to excavate sand under risky conditions because there are no alternative jobs," he said.

The area police boss has cautioned quarry excavators to be careful while working to avoid tragedies.

Most of the quarries in the area pose a danger as the excavation is done in residential homes and on road sides.