The survivor, identified as Jimmy Ogwu, had been collecting soil with friends for sale to construction workers, a common livelihood activity for many residents struggling to cope with economic hardship.
The group was digging at an informal site where repeated excavation has created deep pits with unstable overhangs of hardened soil. According to Ogwu, the collapse happened without warning.
“I remember looking for good soil and joking with my friend. Then suddenly everything was dark, and I couldn’t move,” he recalled as quoted by UNMISS.
The overhanging layer of soil gave way, burying Ogwu and another man beneath thick mud. Trapped and unable to move or shout, Ogwu managed to make faint sounds that were heard by others who had escaped the collapse.
A woman from the site ran nearly half a kilometre to a nearby UNMISS base to seek help. Despite initial language barriers, peacekeepers quickly understood the urgency of the situation and mobilised a Quick Reaction Force.
“We immediately started digging with all the strength we had,” said Col. Azeem, the UNMISS commander who led the rescue. “Time was our biggest enemy, but we also had to be extremely careful not to cause further harm.”
After about 15 minutes, rescuers reached softer soil. Thirty minutes into the operation, they uncovered Ogwu’s head. Though trapped in mud, he had a strong pulse and was immediately given oxygen.
Ogwu was later identified by his brother, Sabit Kimo, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing of the incident. Despite guiding rescuers to where he believed his friend was buried, the second man was later confirmed dead.
Ogwu was taken to the hospital under the care of UNMISS medical officer Dr. Anghad Singh Sodi and treated for minor injuries.
“I still can’t fully explain how he survived,” Dr. Sodi said, describing the rescue as a rare miracle.
Ogwu is now recovering, supported by his family, as the community mourns the loss of his friend and reflects on the dangers faced by those forced to risk their lives for daily survival.
