Man, 34, dies after falling into steel boiler in Thika

A steel boiler site. [Courtesy of Wikemedia]

Police in Thika, Kiambu County are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 34-year-old man who allegedly fell into a steel boiler on Friday, March 25.

The victim, identified as Caleb Otieno, fell into the melting machine at 1pm, and died on the spot, his relatives say.

The 34-year-old worked at a rolling mills company in Thika.

“When we went to his workplace (name withheld), we were told that his body had been reduced to liquid, and couldn’t be traced in the mixture of melted steel,” his brother, John Agwambo, told The Standard.

“Police officers from Thika promised to conduct a thorough probe into the incident, but the investigations seem to be dragging. I’m urging the government to intervene, so that we get justice,” said John.

Another member of the deceased’s family, Michael Orao, alleged that the steel boiler, which claimed Otieno’s life, lacked safety features.

“We were shocked to learn that our relative was deployed to an uncovered boiler. If someone missed a step, he’d easily fall into the steel-melting equipment,” said Orao.

Steel generally melts at between 1,371 Degree Celsius and 1,540 Degree Celcius, says a report on www.onlinemetals.com.

The Standard reached the local police for comment, but no senior officer offered a response on record.

The company that the deceased worked for also refused to speak about the matter.

The Standard understands that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Thika has recorded statements from the victim’s employer and family members regarding the Friday incident.

This is a developing story, which will be updated with fresh information soon.