KINJOR – Reports of negligence in the death of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) driver Philip V. Blonwhen on February 15, 2025, are misleading. An investigation by The Liberian Investigator confirms that the fatal incident was a vehicular collision, not the result of safety failures by the company.
A police preliminary report seen by The Liberian Investigator states that on February 15, 2025, at approximately 3:16 a.m., a road traffic accident occurred along the solar energy site road at the New Liberty camp of BMMC. The accident involved a yellow Volvo A-40G truck, operated by Philip V. Blonwhen, 52, a resident of Kinjor Town, and a yellow Komatsu 785 truck, marked 16-16, operated by Abraham D. Kromah, 48, also a resident of Kinjor Town. Both vehicles were owned by BMMC.
According to the police report, Blonwhen had parked his Volvo truck when the Komatsu truck, driven by Kromah, struck it from the rear. Blonwhen was found unconscious under the back tire of the Volvo truck and was immediately rushed to JFK Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Kromah was taken to the Gold Camp Police Station, where he remains under investigation.
Findings from The Liberian Investigator confirm that Blonwhen, an experienced driver employed since February 1, 2023, had stopped his truck along the BMMC New Liberty TSF Road. At the time, his truck’s lights were on, and there were no indications of mechanical or electrical failures. As he stood near the rear tire of his parked vehicle, the approaching Komatsu truck collided with it, leading to the fatal incident.
The road where the accident occurred was wide and had been recently watered to prevent dust, ensuring visibility for drivers. Additionally, there were designated safe parking areas along the roadside. Official investigators from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), who have been stationed at the mine since early January, immediately took charge of the accident scene and launched an inquiry. Statements have been taken from all relevant parties, including the driver of the Komatsu truck.
Contrary to social media reports, allegations that Blonwhen was not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) are false, The Liberian Investigator found. BMMC enforces strict safety protocols, ensuring all workers have the required safety gear before entering operational areas. The claim that the company attempted to cover up the accident or bribe officials has also been found to be baseless. The company has maintained transparency, cooperating fully with authorities and keeping open communication with the victim’s family. In fact, Blonwhen’s family has expressed outrage over social media claims, stating such posts have disrespected the dignity of their deceased loved one.
There are rumors of a possible personal dispute between the two drivers over a private matter. However, police investigations have not established any connection between such speculations and the accident.
Meanwhile, BMMC has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety, transparency, and the welfare of its employees and the local community. The company has assured authorities that it will continue to support the investigation to ensure that the truth prevails.
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