Two people have been confirmed dead after suffering suffocation while cleaning an underground water tank in Ngata bridge, Nakuru.
The duo identified as, Andrew Ouko and George Omondi, allegedly succumbed after inhaling harmful fumes released by a generator they were using.
A resident, Bernard Owino, told the Standard that he found the four trapped in the tank and were struggling to get out.
"I raised the alarm and neighbours responded and we pulled the four out of the tank. I had seen them cleaning the tank on my way to a nearby shop. However, I realised nothing was happening and I did not see any of them when I returned. I got curious and went near to check why the cleaning had stopped. That is when I saw them fighting to get out. We have been told they died from reduced oxygen in the tank," said Owino.
One of the victims, Ouko, owned the plot where the tank was located died when he went into the tank to save two of his colleagues who called for help after running out of oxygen.
Nakuru police boss Joshua Omukata confirming the incident said the victims died from the harmful gases emitted and the resultant competition for oxygen between them and the generator.
"This weakened them so much that they had no strength to pull themselves out. Efforts to resuscitate them later were futile as the area does not have experts. It was a matter trial and error for those who attempted to help them," said Omukata.
Bodies of those who died were taken to the Nakuru Provincial General Hospital mortuary.