The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has announced the suspension of operations at the MIRA Gas Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Plant following its investigation into the September 15 explosion that killed one person and left several others critically injured in the CEMENCO Community along the Japan Freeway.
In a press statement released on September, the EPA said the explosion originated from a leaking pipe connection between a delivery tanker and the facility’s storage tank.
The investigation revealed a series of safety lapses, including poor maintenance of tanks and pipelines, the absence of an emergency response plan, inadequate fire safety measures, lack of gas detectors and alarms, and insufficient training of staff in LPG handling and emergency procedures.
Recently, An explosion at the MIRA Oxygen and Gas Incorporated facility in Liberia, on Monday, September 15, killed one person and injured 21 others. The Liberian government and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) attributed the incident to gross negligence by MIRA Gas, citing the company’s failure to adhere to basic safety standards and operating high-risk facilities in densely populated areas.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched an investigation to determine how the company was permitted to operate such a facility within city limits and is reviewing potential environmental and zoning violations. The facility has been quarantined, and MIRA Gas’s head is reportedly being questioned, with criminal prosecution for negligence considered likely.
It may be recalled, MIRA Gas stated it is cooperating with authorities and ensuring care for affected employees in coordination with JFK Medical Center
The company highlighted its commitment to safety, adherence to regulations, and emergency protocols, including an on-site fire truck.
This incident follows a similar fatal explosion at Sethi Ferro Fabrik Factory in February 2025, where the EPA fined the company $5,000 for environmental violations and operating without a valid permit. These events underscore the urgent need for stronger industrial safety enforcement in Liberia.
