Tragic:Three sand harvesters have died after they were buried alive in Makueni

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BY CORRESPONDENT,MAKUENI,19TH DEC 2017-Three sand harvesters died early Tuesday after they were  buried alive following  the  collapse of  Kwa Muvai River in Makueni County.

Two more harvesters were rescued from the debris and rushed for treatment.

The accident occurred at 5am, according to Makueni County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim.

“Those neighbouring the scene reported hearing a bang at the mine (sic) and on rushing there, they found that the mine had caved in, burying the five alive,” he said.

He cautioned sand harvesters against working in dunes and rivers at night, saying it is against county laws on sand harvesting.

Further, Mr Maalim said police would impound a sand transporter’s lorry that was trapped at the collapsed dune.

“The lorry will be placed in the hands of authorities to assist in investigating this incident,” he said.

This is one  out of such incidents that  have been reported in the region in the recent past as residents continue with the activity which has already been outlawed by government.