Two sand harvesters die in Naivasha

Two men died yesterday after a quarry they were working in collapsed in Ng’ati area of Maella in Naivasha.

Six other sand harvesters escaped death narrowly following the midday incident that saw operations in the area temporarily paralysed.

The two were pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby health centre where they had been rushed after being retrieved from the quarry an hour later.

Emotions ran high as relatives, workmates and members of the public tried to come to terms with the incident.

The ongoing rains in the area which has seen farms and homes flooded was blamed for the incident as police opened an inquest into the incident.

According to Maella MCA Gathariki Kamanu sand harvesting had employed tens of youths in the area despite the dangers it posed.

He termed the incident as an "accident" adding that the mine was deep and that “harvesters have to be cautious of the weak soil."