Monrovia, Liberia – An enormous explosion rocked the MIRA Oxygen and Fuel Integrated facility alongside the Japan Freeway in Monrovia on Monday, September 15, leaving at the very least seven folks severely injured and sparking frantic emergency response efforts.
By Willie N. Tokpah and Gerald C. Koinyeneh
The blast, reportedly triggered by the ignition of one of many firm’s oxygen tankers, despatched shockwaves throughout the capital and reignited considerations about industrial security in Liberia.
Emergency Response
The Liberia Fireplace Service (LFS), the Liberia Nationwide Police, and different emergency items rushed to the scene to comprise the blaze and forestall additional explosions.
Deputy Fireplace Service Director for Operations, Edwin Tisdell, who was on-site, described the incident as “unlucky” and burdened the pressing want for security compliance at amenities dealing with hazardous supplies.
“Now we have not confirmed any deaths for now, however a number of folks have been injured,” he mentioned. “When you might have a manufacturing facility like this, you must have correct fireplace safety gear, together with fireplace vans. We want accountability.”
Tisdell added that the chance of secondary explosions remained excessive and urged the general public to steer clear of the world.
A number of employees have been believed to be inside the power on the time of the blast. As of Monday night, search and rescue operations have been ongoing, with households anxiously awaiting phrase on their family members.
One man, looking for his brother Jefferson, informed reporters:
“I haven’t seen my brother amongst these rescued. I simply need to know if he’s okay. That is simply scary and unlucky.”
Contained in the Blast
MIRA worker Lewis recounted the terrifying second the explosion occurred:
“One of many tankers was having an issue. A technician was informed to tighten one thing, after which, growth—it exploded.”
Lewis mentioned he and others exterior escaped unhurt, however a number of colleagues inside have been badly injured.
Security Issues Raised
The incident has renewed scrutiny of office security requirements in Liberia. MIRA Oxygen and Fuel is a key provider of medical oxygen and cooking gasoline within the nation, however firm officers have been unavailable for remark.
Deputy Director Tisdell known as for instant security critiques throughout all related amenities, stressing the necessity for inspections and fireplace suppression programs.
Investigation Launched
Joint safety forces cordoned off the world, confirming that an investigation is underway to determine the reason for the explosion and assess potential regulatory violations.
Emergency crews battled the hearth late into the night time to stop further blasts from oxygen tanks liable to overheating.
Not the First Explosion
This newest tragedy follows a lethal blast in February on the Sethi Ferro Fabrik Manufacturing facility, the place an oxygen tank explosion killed one individual and injured a number of others. That incident raised alarms about weak security enforcement throughout Liberia’s industrial sector.
The Environmental Safety Company (EPA), after concluding its investigation into the February 17 explosion on the Monrovia Industrial Park, imposed a US$5,000 high-quality on the corporate for working with no legitimate environmental allow. The blast claimed the lifetime of manufacturing facility employee Saah J. Samukai and heightened considerations about office security and environmental compliance.
Throughout a press convention, the EPA revealed that Sethi Ferro Fabrik was in gross violation of a number of security laws. Investigators discovered that the manufacturing facility lacked ample fireplace security measures, mishandled oxygen tanks, and used overaged compressed gasoline cylinders. Because of this, the EPA ordered the instant closure of the power on February 19 till corrective measures have been applied.
Like Sethi, the MIRA explosion has as soon as once more spotlighted the pressing want for stronger security requirements, more durable inspections, and larger accountability to stop future disasters.
