A devastating tragedy has struck Yar-doka Village in Kaduna State as a sudden sandfall at a block-molding site claimed the lives of at least 11 workers. The horrific incident, which occurred around 3 PM on Monday in Kubau Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking news through its spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, who revealed that several workers were buried alive when a large section of sand suddenly collapsed during routine operations at the site.
According to local sources, the scene quickly turned chaotic as terrified residents rushed to the site with shovels and bare hands, desperately digging through the debris in a bid to save lives. Their efforts were heroic, but tragically, 11 workers were found lifeless beneath the sand.
Seven others miraculously survived the collapse but sustained varying degrees of injuries. They were immediately rushed to the Yar-doka Primary Health Centre, where medical personnel are working around the clock to stabilize their conditions.
The village head, Alhaji Lawal Damau, who was among the first to respond, alerted the authorities and coordinated with local residents to assist in the rescue efforts before professional responders arrived.
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While the community mourns, the police have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the sandfall. “We are engaging experts to determine whether this was due to negligence, poor safety standards, or environmental factors,” DSP Hassan told reporters. “This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at construction and mining sites across Nigeria.”
The Kaduna State Government and local authorities have also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. Calls are growing for stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations and better oversight of informal work sites, which are often left without proper supervision or safety protocols.
“This is a painful reminder of how a lack of safety measures can turn a routine workday into a nightmare,” Hassan added. “Our prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured. We will ensure that justice is served and necessary precautions are enforced to prevent future tragedies.” He stated.
