Middle aged man blown off by explosives in Naivasha quarry

Emotions run high after man is blown off by explosive while working

Charles Ouma

February 17, 2019 5:08 PM

Explosion sent several others scampering for safety

detectives at a crime scene

A man who was setting up explosives met his untimely death after it went off, blowing his body to pieces.

Reports indicate that the middle aged man whose identity we are yet to establish was setting up the explosives used to blow stones at one of the largest quarries in Naivasha when it exploded.

According to witness accounts, the explosive accidentally went off as it was being set up, killing the middle aged man on the spot as others scampered for safety.

An eye witness recounted the incident, saying that here was a loud bang and the deceased was cut into pieces and died on the spot due to the impact of the explosive”.

The incident brought business to a standstill at the Kinamba quarry located off the Naivasha-Kirima road.

File image of explosives in use at a quarry Pulse Live Kenya

Police moved in and ferried the remains to Naivasha sub-county hospital mortuary as emotions ran high among relatives and tens of the workers at the quarry.

What may have triggered the explosive to blow off remains unclear in what is reported to be the first incident in the area.

The incident raises questions on complince to occupational safety and Kenyan labour laws.

Barely a fortnight ago, a man was crushed to death by a boulder in a quarry at Maraigushu area in Naivasha.

Charles Ouma