Published: January 23, 2026
MONROVIA – A chemical truck fire near Money Sweet Town leaked hydrochloric acid en route to MNG Gold, but the EPA says the spill was contained and posed no impact on water sources or public health.
Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency says it has contained a hydrochloric acid spill along the Gbarnga–Kokoya Road in Bong County after a truck carrying chemicals to the MNG Gold mining site caught fire, prompting overnight emergency response efforts and community anxiety in Money Sweet Town.
The EPA said the incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2026, around 9:15 p.m., when a semi-trailer transporting hydrochloric acid caught fire, damaging four rear tires and triggering a leak from one container. The truck, registration number HO3047, was hauling 10 Intermediate Bulk Containersof hydrochloric acid, listed as UN1789, a corrosive substance, en route from the Freeport of Monrovia to MNG Gold Liberia in Kokoya District.
The agency said about 40 liters of hydrochloric acid spilled from the affected container.
EPA-certified chemical handlers, supported by MNG Gold Liberia’s environmental and safety team, moved quickly to contain the leak, the agency said. Responders brought the fire under control, used soil to dike the area and prevent the chemical from spreading, repositioned the damaged container to slow the release, and applied hydrated limeto neutralize the acid. Dry sand was also used to absorb residue and stabilize the site.
The spill sparked concern among residents of Money Sweet Town, the EPA said, but coordinated interventions involving community leaders and prominent Bong County citizens helped facilitate the safe transfer of the chemical containers onto another trailer so the shipment could continue without further incident.
Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, EPA Director
The next morning, EPA inspectors supervised the removal of contaminated soil and absorbent materials. The excavated waste was packaged into high-density polyethylene drums and transported to the MNG Gold mine site for decontamination and disposal in line with hazardous waste management standards, the agency said.
The EPA said follow-up inspections found the spill did not reach wetlands, streams or other water bodies. The agency also said the nearest community hand pump is located uphill from the incident site, and drinking water sources were not affected.
EPA officials said the Bong County Inspectorate engaged residents after the incident to address concerns and provide updates. In coordination with MNG Gold Liberia, local authorities and community leaders, including Rep. James Kolleh of Bong County District #2 and Sen. Prince Moye, food and drinking water were provided to residents, the EPA said.
The agency said MNG Gold Liberia informed the EPA within 24 hours, meeting a 72-hour reporting requirement under its environmental permit.
The EPA said it has launched continued environmental monitoring of the affected area and reiterated that it will enforce regulations governing the transport and handling of hazardous chemicals.
“The EPA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for present and future generations of Liberia,” the agency said.
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