Four employees of the Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company died at Kwa Mang’eli area in Athi River on Tuesday evening after they fell and suffocated into the company’s sewerage treatment plant reservoir.
The bodies were retrieved following a joint operation involving the Machakos county government water and search rescue team, the police, fire brigade, members of the public and administration led by area Chief, Nzau Komo.
The Machakos County Director of Emergency Services, David Mwongela said the deceased who were carrying out routine maintenance checks at the plant inhaled excess carbon-dioxide gas.
“There was limited oxygen in the reservoir when they entered. Unfortunately they all suffocated to death after inhaling excessive carbon dioxide” Mwongela said.
“Upon arrival at the scene, our officers completed the rescue operation within one and a half hours” added Mwongela.
Area sub-county Police Commander, Samuel Mukuusi said the bodies were taken to the Machakos Level 5 Referral hospital mortuary
The Machakos Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua has sent condolence messages to the bereaved families and ordered a probe into the incidence.
By Rachael Kilonzo
