Tragedy as excavator operator killed after machine overturns at quarry

Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Julius Gaya identified the deceased as Martin Muriuki Muthama.

According to police, Muthama was loading murram onto a lorry when the excavator rolled into a ditch. He was thrown out of the cabin before the machine landed on him, causing multiple fatal injuries.

Fellow workers and residents rushed to the scene and rescued him before taking him to Sagana Sub-County Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Residents, led by David Githinji, described the incident as shocking, saying they were devastated by the tragic accident.

Police said the body was moved to Kerugoya Hospital Mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted on Thursday.

Residents said the murram being excavated at the site was being transported to the ongoing Export Processing Zone (EPZ) construction project in Sagana.

Excavation activities at the quarry have remained suspended since Monday night following the fatal accident as investigations continue.