Overview
- Herly Gómez Cachique, 37, died on October 21 when a section of earth gave way at a house project in Villa Continental, Cayma, as workers excavated a trench for a retaining wall.
- A second worker, identified as foreman Hernán Copacondori, was rescued by Cayma municipal responders and is receiving medical care, according to local reports.
- Police from the Casimiro Cuadros station opened inquiries, and early findings indicate the crew lacked protective gear and the work lacked municipal authorization.
- Local authorities closed the site after the incident, Diario Sin Fronteras reported, while industry group Capeco noted most fatal accidents in Arequipa occur in informal or self-built projects without basic safety measures.
- The Construction Workers’ Union arrived to support the victim’s family, called for Fiscalía intervention, and questioned Cayma’s Urban Development Office over permitting on high-risk terrain.