By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
A 6000-gallon fuel tanker erupted into flames early Tuesday morning, October 11, 2025, thus cutting off traffic and sending panic across Bong County.
The tanker overturned near the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) along the Suakoko–Gbarnga Highway.
The incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., was the result of a faulty tire that burst.
The situation caused the driver summersaulted into nearby valley.
The tanker was en-route from Monrovia to Nimba, but slewed off the road and overturned, igniting moments later into a towering inferno that lit up the night sky.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “terrifying” with fire quickly consuming the vehicle and spreading closed to nearby bushes.
“We just heard a loud blast, and saw fire everywhere,” said one resident, who rushed to the scene for the spoiled.
Five occupants, including the driver, narrowly escaped with minor injuries before the tanker exploded.
They have being treated at Phebe Hospital in Suakoko.
Though no deaths have been confirmed, the explosion brought traffic to a complete standstill for hours, leaving dozens of travelers stranded.
Many feared the flames could spread to surrounding communities if not swiftly contained.
Fire service personnel, assisted by residents, battled the blaze through the early hours to prevent further disaster.
Authorities are yet to release the name of the company responsible for the tanker or confirm the identities of the victims.
Officers of the Liberia National Police assisted by a handful of Fire fighters have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.