SAND PIT COLLAPSE IN KANO LEAVES SEVERAL FEARED DEAD
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Several brickmakers are feared dead after a sand excavation site collapsed in Ridawa village, Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday, trapping workers beneath heaps of sand and debris.
The incident occurred while labourers were digging a pit for local brick production when the ground suddenly gave way, burying a number of workers at the site. Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened without warning, leaving little chance for those inside the pit to escape.
The incident sparked panic across the community as residents and fellow workers rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue those trapped. Initial rescue efforts were carried out using basic tools, slowing progress and raising concerns about the chances of survival for those still buried.
A lawmaker representing the area confirmed that several individuals remain trapped and called for urgent intervention from government agencies, stressing that professional rescue equipment is needed to handle the situation effectively.
As of the time of reporting, emergency responders and local volunteers continued efforts to reach survivors, while several victims remained unaccounted for, heightening fears that the death toll could rise.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns over unsafe working conditions in informal brick-making operations, where labourers often work without proper safety measures or oversight, exposing them to frequent risks.