Monrovia, Liberia — A tragic explosion at MIRA Gas’s facility on Somalia Drive has left one employee dead and dozens more injured, prompting an urgent investigation into safety practices at the company. The blast, which occurred on Monday, has raised serious concerns about regulatory compliance in an area densely populated with residents.
In a statement, MIRA Gas expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to affected employees and their families. The company stated its Human Resources team is actively supporting those impacted, while dedicated employees are providing assistance to victims at local hospitals. The firm is working with medical professionals to ensure appropriate care for those injured, with many reported to have suffered severe injuries.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation, linking the explosion to negligence. Atty. Ansu V.S. Dulleh Sr., executive director of NDMA, labeled the incident “avoidable” and criticized MIRA Gas for neglecting basic safety standards. “This government will not leave any stone unturned,” he stated, indicating that accountability is expected for those who risk community safety.
At the time of the explosion, 38 employees were present at the facility, and authorities have confirmed that 21 of them were directly impacted. Initially, 20 individuals were treated at JFK Medical Center, while another sustained injuries that required admission to the National Diagnostic Medical Center. Among the injured, many are facing challenges like third-degree burns and respiratory problems. Tragically, a Lebanese national succumbed to injuries after being transported to JFK.
Investigators revealed that the facility, which provides medical oxygen to hospitals, was overcrowded with hazardous materials improperly stored. Although safety protocols typically limit occupancy to 10, as many as 40 workers were present during the explosion. Dulleh critiqued the operation, calling it “a tight factory that should not be functioning in the heart of a populated city.”
A chemical known as “glutamyl” was identified as a contributing factor to the disaster, which can become highly volatile when mishandled. Under certain conditions, it can produce toxic emissions instead of harmless byproducts like water and carbon dioxide. In response to the incident, multiple regulatory bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Liberia Fire Service, have quarantined the affected facility, and the head of MIRA Gas has been taken into custody for inquiries.
The EPA is also scrutinizing why MIRA Gas was allowed to operate in a high-risk area, amid growing calls for more stringent enforcement of industrial safety regulations. Analysts suggest this incident could serve as a pivotal moment for accountability in Liberia’s industrial sector, which has faced criticism for its oversight challenges. Dulleh affirmed, “Our risk and safety department will intensify inspections. We cannot allow this to happen again.”
Civil society organizations have previously expressed concerns regarding lax safety regulations, especially in regions with high population density. MIRA Gas has been reportedly warned about compliance issues related to zoning and material storage.
As recovery efforts continue, MIRA Gas has pledged that its medical team will oversee the health of injured employees while its Human Resources unit aids affected families. The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe work environment, emphasizing ongoing health and safety training programs.
While investigations proceed, victims and their families are awaiting justice, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reforms to avert future incidents and safeguard both employees and community members alike.