The National Civil Society Union of Liberia (NACSUL) has called for a transparent and thorough investigation into the deadly explosion that occurred at the Sethi Ferro Fabrik Company in Gardnerville on the evening of February 18, 2025. The tragic incident resulted in the death of an employee, Saah Samukai, who was assigned to the company’s oxygen plant.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2025, NACSUL expressed its profound sadness over the loss of life and acknowledged the swift response from Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s management. The civil society group commended the company for its immediate engagement with Samukai’s family and the surrounding community, demonstrating a sense of responsibility during this difficult time. NACSUL also praised the company’s openness in acknowledging the explosion and the unfortunate death of the employee.
However, NACSUL emphasized the need for transparency in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion. The organization dispatched a team of investigators to the scene, visiting both the Sethi Ferro Fabrik oxygen plant in Gardnerville and the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor to verify the facts and assess the extent of the damage.
Upon concluding its investigation, NACSUL reported that only one employee had lost his life in the incident, contrary to earlier reports on traditional and social media that suggested two fatalities and several injuries. The civil society group took the opportunity to dispel false information, calling on the public and media to refrain from circulating unverified claims.
“NACSUL stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public,” the organization’s statement read. “While the tragic loss of life is undeniable, it is crucial that we respect the facts and avoid exacerbating the situation with misleading reports.”
In light of the findings, NACSUL expressed its satisfaction with Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s transparency in acknowledging its responsibility for the explosion and cooperating fully with the relevant government authorities. The organization called for all parties to remain patient and allow the investigation to unfold, emphasizing that the primary goal should be identifying the exact cause of the explosion and taking the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.
NACSUL further urged the Liberian government to expedite its investigation into the incident, speeding up the process to ensure public confidence and provide closure to the family of the deceased. The civil society group called for a full and independent inquiry to determine the factors that led to the explosion and hold accountable any parties found negligent in the handling of safety protocols at the facility.
“Given the seriousness of this tragedy, the people of Liberia deserve a clear and transparent explanation of how this explosion occurred and what steps will be taken to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” NACSUL stressed.
The organization’s call for transparency also extends to the company’s internal practices. While Sethi Ferro Fabrik has expressed regret over the incident and made an effort to support the bereaved family, NACSUL urged the company to implement stronger safety measures and engage with the community on how it plans to prevent future industrial accidents.
As the investigation continues, NACSUL remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that all involved parties adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability.
