By By: The People Newspaper
Monrovia, Liberia – The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has concluded its investigation into the September 15 explosion at the MIRA Gas Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Plant in the CEMENCO Community along the Japan Freeway, which left multiple people injured and claimed one life. The agency has announced sweeping enforcement measures, including fines, mandatory safety upgrades, and suspension of operations.
The EPA confirmed that the explosion originated from “a leaking pipe connection between a delivery tanker and the site’s storage tank,” exposing what it described as “critical safety lapses” at the facility.
According to the EPA, the disaster was caused by “poor maintenance of tanks and pipelines, the absence of an emergency response plan, inadequate fire safety measures, a lack of gas detectors and alarms, and insufficient staff training in LPG handling and emergency procedures.”
Following the probe, the EPA determined that MIRA Gas violated several provisions of its operational permit, including failure to submit a Health & Safety Plan, conduct leak detection and monitoring, install adequate firefighting equipment, and employ a dedicated Environmental Health & Safety Officer.
The agency imposed a US$10,000 fine on the company and ordered a complete suspension of operations until all safety deficiencies are corrected.
“MIRA Gas is directed to suspend all operations until critical safety upgrades are completed and verified by the EPA,” the agency stated.
Among the directives, the EPA ordered MIRA Gas to install fire suppression systems, gas detectors, and alarm systems; develop a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan; and conduct mandatory safety training for all employees.
The company has also been given 14 working days to submit a written compliance plan, with the EPA warning that “failure to comply will result in additional enforcement actions, which may include higher fines, permit suspension or revocation, and referral for prosecution.”
The EPA also raised concerns about the facility’s location. While MIRA Gas was permitted in 2015 within an industrial zone, rapid urbanization has transformed the surrounding area into a semi-residential community, posing increased risks to nearby residents. The agency said it will re-evaluate the continued suitability of bulk LPG storage at the site.
In its release, the EPA expressed sympathy for victims of the blast:
“The EPA extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wishes those injured a swift recovery.”
The agency reaffirmed its duty to protect public safety, noting: “The EPA remains steadfast in safeguarding human health, workplace safety, and the environment across all industrial operations in Liberia.”
The September 15 explosion at the MIRA Gas facility sent shockwaves through the CEMENCO Community and beyond, with eyewitnesses recounting scenes of panic as flames engulfed the plant. The blast injured several workers and residents, while one fatality was later confirmed. The tragedy sparked outrage over the company’s safety standards and prompted immediate calls for government intervention.
The latest EPA sanctions represent the strongest regulatory action since the incident and signal growing public demand for accountability in Liberia’s industrial sector.
