Tragedy struck early Tuesday morning after a 22-year-old man died when a pit latrine collapsed beneath him in Bankers Estate, Olkalau.

Police identified the deceased as James Kagombe Karanja, who had reportedly gone to relieve himself at around 3 a.m. when part of the latrine floor suddenly gave way, causing him to fall inside.

A relative raised the alarm after discovering the accident, and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, Karanja was pronounced dead after being retrieved from the collapsed structure.

His body was taken to J.M. Kariuki Hospital Mortuary for autopsy as police launched investigations into the incident.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure the structural safety of pit latrines, particularly during the rainy season when soil weakening is common.