A 36-year-old man lost his life on Friday afternoon after a sand harvesting pit collapsed on him in Katine, Matungulu Sub-County in Machakos.

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The man who wasn't identified immediately was among five other men who were harvesting sand in the area before the tragedy struck.

Katine sub-location assistant chief Timothy Musau confirmed the incident and told Hivisasa on phone that the man lost his life on the spot as efforts by his colleagues to save him proved futile.

"They were six men who were harvesting sand before a section of the sand pit caved in, trapping the man inside. His colleagues attempted to rescue him in vain," said Musau.

"It's risky. They dig deeper until it becomes dark and they are forced to use torches. He didn't survive the ordeal," he added.

He said the man hails from Mitaboni area in Kathian and his family has been notified about the sad incident.

The chief warned residents against unsecured sand harvesting pits that pose danger to their lives.

His body was picked by the police and taken to Kangundo Level Four Hospital mortuary.

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