By KT Reporter
A 49-year-old man has been buried alive after gravel he was excavating collapsed on him in Kwania District. The deceased has been identified as Joel Okuku, a resident of Adyeda Cell, Teduka Ward in Aduku Town Council.
Reports indicate that early Tuesday morning, Okuku had gone to complete excavating marram from a site he began digging on Sunday when the tragic incident occurred. His nephew, who was at the scene, reportedly witnessed the moment the marram caved in and immediately alerted residents, who rushed to try and rescue him.
Alison Arinda, the Kwania District Police Commander, confirmed receiving reports about the incident but said he was awaiting details from the Scene of Crime Officers. “Yes, my team is on the ground. I haven’t got the details,” he said. Following the incident, Dick Obonyo, the area LCI chairperson, warned locals against excavating marram during the ongoing heavy rains, saying the saturated soil had become unstable and dangerous.
Obonyo acknowledged that quarrying has become a key source of livelihood for many in the area but advised residents to prioritize safety and seek alternative means of earning a living.
A similar concern was echoed by Daniel Ongom, another resident, who said people survived long before the rise of stone quarrying and can still find safer ways to sustain themselves.
This is not the first such tragedy in the region. In April this year, a gravel pit collapse in Kole District buried three youths alive. With the current heavy rains, authorities warn that those involved in quarrying and marram excavation remain at high risk of similar incidents.
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