By: Samuel B. Johnson
A devastating explosion rocked the Mira Oxygen and Gas factory along Japan Freeway in Monrovia on Monday, resulting in one death and 21 injuries. The blast, which occurred when an oxygen tanker caught fire and exploded, has raised serious concerns about industrial safety in Liberia.
According to Ansu Dulleh, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the explosion left workers with severe burns and eye injuries that could lead to permanent blindness. "This is a serious disaster," Dulleh emphasized, adding that the company's management will be held accountable.
The Liberia Fire Service responded swiftly, rescuing 29 people and transporting 19 to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, while two others were treated at nearby clinics. Some victims remain in critical condition. A joint investigation involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Fire Service, and police has been launched to determine if safety standards were followed.
This incident is the second recent accident linked to Mira's operations. In August, an explosion at its gas refilling facility in the Freeport Community injured over a dozen workers, prompting a government safety probe. The EPA has emphasized the need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement.
District 13 Representative Edward Papy Flomo visited the site to calm tensions, while families gather outside hospitals, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for improved safety measures in Liberia's industrial sector.
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