Police warn public after man killed by collapsed quarry in Lira

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What began as another day of hard manual labour in the rocky outskirts of Lira city in Uganda's north ended in tragedy when a 23-year-old casual labourer was crushed to death by collapsing rock debris.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, said the territorial Police in Lira City East Division are investigating the death, which was registered at Akia Police Station.

The fatal incident happened on Saturday (January 3, 2026) at about 6:20pm, in Teobwolo A Cell, Akia Ward, Lira City East Division. 

Aron Okwir, the victim and resident of the area, had reportedly just received his day’s pay when he was crushed to death.

Preliminary Police findings indicate that Okwir and his 55-year-old uncle, Alex Oyuru, were engaged in small-scale quarry activities: breaking rocks into aggregates for sale as construction materials. 

The pair had reportedly lit a fire at the base of a large rock earlier in the day, a risky method intended to weaken the stone so it could crack more easily.

They reportedly stayed at the site throughout the day, monitoring the heating process.

But shortly after Okwir had been paid his sh15,000 cut for the day, and as the pair were preparing to leave, the heated rock is said to have suddenly collapsed, sending heavy debris tumbling down and burying Okwir.

The young man died instantly while his uncle narrowly escaped.

Police response

A team of officers from Akia Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Sgt James Robson Okello, swiftly responded to the scene and found Okwir’s body trapped under massive rock debris. 

The body was later retrieved and taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Police have since opened a case of death by accident to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. 

Okwir's uncle Oyuru was detained to assist with investigations, particularly to determine whether negligence played any role in the fatal collapse. 

No witness statements were recorded at the time due to the late hour.

Pattern of tragedy

Police have warned the public against undertaking dangerous quarry practices, especially the use of fire to soften rocks, an approach described as extremely hazardous when done without technical expertise.

“The community is advised to seek professional guidance from qualified engineers and relevant experts,” Police said, cautioning that similar methods have led to multiple fatalities.

Okwir's death adds to a growing list of quarry-related accidents reported in Akia, Ngetta, Anai, and other parts of Lira City and its surroundings, where residents increasingly mine murram and rocks to survive amid limited employment opportunities.

As Police investigations continue, the tragedy has once again laid bare the deadly risks faced daily by young people eking out a living in informal mining sites.