A 30-year-old man died last night after being buried in a heap of soil inside a dug out hole.

FBC News understands Tomasi Kanailagi works for a company contracted by the Water Authority of Fiji to undertake sewer line upgrading works in Labasa.

It is believed Kanailagi has just finished his work and was trying to climb out of the hole when he slipped and fell and was instantly covered with soil.

The NFA Rescue squad was called to the scene to dig the hole and fetch Kanailagi.

By the time they found him, he was lifeless.

The body now lies at the Labasa Hospital.

Kanailagi is survived by his wife and two children.