Four leather industry workers die after falling into sewerage system

Four employees of a Thika leather factory died on the spot while two others were rushed to hospital in critical condition after they fell into a sewerage system Thursday afternoon.

The four died at Thika Leather Industries, which is situated on the Thika-Garissa road, Thika Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner, Tom Anjere, has confirmed.

It is alleged that the six were ordered by the factory’s management to open a sewage disposal system but one of the workers fell into the deep pit. His other colleagues who tried to rescue him also fell into the pit, with four dying on the spot and two wounded.

The incident occurred 1:00 pm Thursday, but the factory’s management did not report the matter to the police until late in the evening when security agents, who had gotten wind of the incident, stormed the factory.

However, the firm’s managers allegedly ran away after closing down the factory, only to return to the premises later, refusing to talk to the press.

The workers, at the time of the incident, were reportedly not wearing any protective gears.

DCC Anjere, accompanied by Thika West security officers, visited the scene.

Mr Anjere says investigations have been launched into the matter and they will establish whether the workers were working without putting on protective gear.

“Currently information about what led to the death of the four is scant. However, the bodies of the four workers were removed to Thika Level Five Hospital morgue. The injured, on the other hand, were rushed to the Agha Khan Hospital in Nairobi,” said Mr Anjere.