Several workers are feared dead after a quarry collapsed at Mutonga in Igoji, Meru County, on Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, triggering an emergency rescue operation.
At least one worker escaped unhurt, while another was rescued by residents with serious injuries and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Six other workers are suspected to have been trapped beneath the rubble, according to one of the workers who survived the incident.
Meru County Special Programmes Director Lenah Kiambi confirmed the collapse as residents joined efforts to remove debris and search for the missing workers.
Rescue operations were ongoing by the time of publication, with residents working desperately to reach those feared trapped beneath the collapsed quarry.
The cause of the collapse had not been established, and it was not immediately clear whether the quarry had undergone a safety inspection or met the required operational standards.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of quarry workers, particularly those engaged in stone extraction, a key source of livelihood for many residents.
Of particular concern is the report that the same quarry has experienced a similar incident in the past, raising questions about whether adequate safety measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Quarry operations involve significant risks, including falling rocks, unstable excavation walls and sudden ground collapses.
Proper site assessments, safe excavation practices, protective equipment and effective supervision are essential in reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest collapse and determine whether safety regulations were observed.
The number of casualties remained unconfirmed as rescue efforts continued, with hopes pinned on reaching the missing workers alive.
