Man crushed to death by excavator in tragic Gatundu accident

A man was crushed to death by an excavator, that he was operating, in a tragic accident in Karera village, Gatundu South.

The man was working on the Kariminu II dam water piping project when the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the man was digging a trench on a sloppy section when the excavator overturned and rolled towards River Kahungu.

He was crushed and efforts to rescue him were futile.

Residents led by David Muchai questioned why the contractor allowed works to continue amid the heavy rains pounding the area saying the area was slippery posing dangers to the workers.

Muchai, who farms near the project site, said that the operator was a humble man.

"He was out working hard to sustain his family only to be killed while at work. The place he was digging had a steep descent and the soil was slippery due to the rains. He was risking his life," he said.

Residents called on the government to intervene and stop any construction work until the rains subside.

"There's no haste to complete this project and therefore the contractor should be ordered to halt the works until the weather is favourable for resumption of work," Rebbeca Njeri, a resident said.

Authorities contacted for confirmation of the incident claimed to be unaware of the tragedy.