One person has been confirmed dead and two others rescued following a quarry collapse at Mutonga in Igoji, South Imenti, Meru County, on Wednesday, October 21, as concerns grow over the safety of workers at the site.
South Imenti Deputy County Commissioner Zuhura Mambo confirmed the incident while speaking at the scene, where rescue operations had yet to begin earlier in the morning.
The collapse reportedly left several workers beneath fallen rocks, with preliminary reports indicating that six people were feared trapped.
One worker is said to have escaped unhurt, while another was rescued by residents and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Meru County Special Programmes Director Lenah Kiambi also confirmed the incident as residents joined efforts to search for workers believed to be buried under the rubble.
A worker who escaped the collapse reportedly raised the alarm, saying six of his colleagues could be trapped beneath the debris. However, the number of people missing had not been officially confirmed.
The circumstances that led to the quarry collapse remain unclear, as authorities work to establish the full extent of the incident and account for those who were at the site.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over safety at quarrying sites, where unstable rock faces, loose soil and unsupported excavation walls can expose workers to serious danger.
Mutonga has previously been associated with quarry safety concerns. A report published in November 2017 highlighted the risks faced by stone extractors working along River Mutonga, including dangerous terrain and previous fatal incidents.
The latest collapse has once again drawn attention to the need for stronger safety oversight and enforcement at excavation sites to prevent further loss of life.
As authorities seek to establish what caused the collapse, residents have been urged to exercise caution around the affected area and avoid attempting to remove unstable rocks without proper support.
Further updates are expected as officials establish the number of workers affected and provide more information about the deceased and those rescued.
