Police initiate an investigation into the sudden collapse and death of two well-diggers in Aregit town
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Authorities in the Gurage zone have launched an investigation into the deaths of two men inside a water well in Aregit town, an incident local law enforcement described as highly unusual.
According to the Aregit Town Police Office, the incident began when Mekbib Gebre, 50, a father of four and experienced well-digger, descended six meters into a well using a rope. Chief Sergeant Akmal Shifa, head of the town’s police office, stated that Mekbib collapsed shortly after reaching the bottom.
When Mekbib did not respond to calls from above, residents alerted police. Tamiru Arga, 35, then entered the well to retrieve him. Eyewitnesses and police reported that upon reaching Mekbib, Tamiru became distressed, embraced his co-worker, shivered, and collapsed against the wall, dying within minutes.
Emergency responders halted underground rescue attempts due to safety hazards and used a rope mechanism from the surface to retrieve both bodies. Authorities subsequently handed the remains over to the families for burial.
Police confirmed that medical professionals did not conduct autopsies, noting that investigators found no evidence of foul play. Law enforcement officials urged regional well-diggers and laborers to follow workplace safety protocols in confined spaces.
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