Experts have warned that unless urgent reforms are enforced, the country risks recurring of industrial disasters.
The Mira Gas and Gas Incorporated Explosion at the Freeport of Monrovia’s Sawmill Community has resulted to the reported death of a Lebanese national.
At least 19 other people are reportedly in critical condition following Monday’s deadly oxygen tank explosion at the Mira Gas facility.
The incident occurred near the Cemenco compound in the Freeport area, raising fresh concerns over country’s weak enforcement of industrial safety regulations.
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Director General, Ansu Dulleh, confirmed circumstances surrounding the incident on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, when he appeared at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing.
Dulleh told journalists that several victims risk “permanent blindness” if not properly treated at renowned health facilities.”
He said the incident was a result of “corporate negligence, and poor oversight” on the part of MIRA, a Lebanese-owned company.
“This company should not, in the first place, have operated in a residential community; endangering families and employees. The government must take strong action,” Dulleh told reporters.
The blast tore through the facility, leaving dozens of workers and nearby residents scrambling for safety.
Victims with severe burns and fractures were rushed to hospitals across Monrovia, including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), where doctors have battled to stabilize the most critically injured.
Family members of the wounded gathered in shock outside medical facilities, anxiously seeking updates.
“We visited the hospital and spoke with the doctors; they confirmed several patients are in critical condition. We ask all Liberians to keep them in their prayers,” Dulleh said.
Civil society groups have demanded a criminal investigation into R and R Gas Company, which operates MIRA Gas, accusing the management of gross negligence.
Community members also alleged the company ignored basic fire prevention systems, and failed to put proper safety protocols in place.
“This is beyond negligence. How many more lives must be lost before safety is taken seriously?” one angry resident rhetorically asked.
MIRA Gas’s Health and Safety Manager, Morgan Zogar, admitted that the company initial response was disorganized.
“When I arrived, there was total disorder. Workers were confused, and we had to call in the fire service and security forces to contain the situation,” he said.
Fire service officials have up to press time last night, remained on the site, reportedly investigating the cause of the blast and assessing structural damage.
Although no deaths have been confirmed, accept a Lebanese national (not named), health authorities cautioned that the toll could rise as critically injured patients fight for survival.
Experts warn that unless urgent reforms are enforced, the country risks recurring industrial disasters.
“This could have been worse,” another resident grimly remarked, noting: “If authorities don’t enforce safety laws, one day we will wake up to a disaster far greater than this explosion.”
For now, the nation waits to see if the government will act decisively against MIRA Gas and negligent regulators or allow another industrial tragedy to fade without justice.