MONROVIA – The tragic explosion at Sethi Ferro Fabrik Steel Factory, which claimed the lives of two workers and left several others critically injured, has ignited a wave of public outrage, with lawmakers demanding answers from key government agencies and the company’s management. The House of Representatives has summoned the Ministers of Labor and Commerce, along with officials from the Bureau of Concessions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik, to appear on Tuesday, February 25, to address the catastrophic incident.
The explosion, which occurred on the evening of February 17 at the factory’s oxygen plant, sent shockwaves through the industrial area in Gardnersville, causing panic among workers and residents. Initial reports suggest that an oxygen cylinder exploded while being refilled, instantly killing worker Saah J. Samukai and severely injuring others. The force of the blast reportedly damaged nearby structures and led to chaotic scenes as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The Environmental Protection Agency has since launched an investigation into the disaster, vowing to determine the cause of the explosion and whether negligence played a role. “A comprehensive report will be released once the full investigation is completed,” the agency assured in a press statement issued on February 19. However, many believe this response is too little, too late.
Anger has been mounting among labor rights advocates and factory workers who accuse Sethi Ferro Fabrik of long-standing safety violations. Anonymous employees have alleged that management has persistently ignored warnings about defective equipment and hazardous work conditions, prioritizing production over employee safety. The latest tragedy, they argue, was not an accident but an inevitable consequence of the company’s reckless disregard for proper industrial safety protocols.
Compounding public frustration are allegations that Sethi Ferro Fabrik is attempting to cover up the severity of the incident. Reports suggest that management has been discouraging employees from speaking to the media and has downplayed the extent of the explosion to avoid regulatory scrutiny. This has fueled suspicions that the company is more concerned with salvaging its reputation than ensuring justice for the victims.
This is not the first time Sethi Ferro Fabrik has been embroiled in controversy over workplace safety. In August 2021, a similar explosion at the facility killed an expatriate worker and injured several others. Following that incident, the company pledged to enhance its safety measures, yet the February 17 disaster raises serious questions about whether any meaningful changes were implemented.
In a press statement issued on February 20, Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s management extended condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to support them. However, critics argue that words of sympathy are not enough, demanding immediate reforms and accountability from both the company and regulatory bodies tasked with ensuring worker safety.
