A sand quarry in Kanungu District is facing renewed scrutiny after a collapse over the weekend claimed the lives of two men, adding to a long history of fatal accidents at the site.

The incident happened on Sunday morning in Kanyamisinga village, Nyakashojwa Parish, Katete Sub-county, as an Isuzu Tipper truck was being loaded with sand. During the operation, part of the sand face gave way, engulfing the vehicle and workers who were nearby.

District authorities said the truck was driven by a man identified as Mbonigaba, who was among those killed. Another worker at the quarry also lost his life, while a third narrowly escaped the collapse without injuries.

Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Elly Maate said rescue efforts continued into the night, with security teams later bringing in heavy equipment from the UPDF Engineering Brigade to aid in recovering the remaining body and the buried truck.

Officials say the tragedy has once again highlighted persistent safety risks at the quarry. Police records show that nearly 18 people have died in similar incidents at the same site over the past two decades, despite repeated warnings from local authorities.

Kanungu Deputy Resident District Commissioner Baddie Rugaaju Ahimbisibwe said district security teams had previously issued safety guidelines aimed at reducing accidents, but compliance has remained a challenge.

Following the latest deaths, authorities confirmed that investigations are underway to determine whether safety procedures were ignored or inadequately enforced. Community leaders and residents are now urging district officials to take decisive action, including stricter regulation or possible closure of the quarry, to prevent further loss of life.