Published: February 22, 2025
MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded its investigation into the fatal explosion at Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s Oxygen Plant, imposing a $5,000 fine on the company for operating without a valid environmental permit. The explosion, which occurred on February 17, 2025, at the Monrovia Industrial Park, claimed the life of Saah J. Samukai, a factory worker, and raised serious concerns about workplace safety and environmental compliance.
During a press conference on Friday, the EPA confirmed that the steel manufacturing company was found in gross violation of multiple safety regulations. Investigators discovered that the factory lacked adequate fire safety measures, improperly handled oxygen tanks, and used overaged compressed gas cylinders. Due to these violations, the EPA ordered the immediate closure of the facility on February 19, pending the implementation of corrective measures.
Following the explosion, the EPA dispatched a high-level delegation led by Deputy Executive Director Dweh S. Boley to assess the site. Their initial findings prompted a comprehensive technical investigation, which uncovered alarming safety lapses. The factory was operating without the required environmental clearance for its oxygen plant. Investigators also found that there were no fire extinguishers or emergency exits in critical areas, and gas cylinders were improperly labeled and stored, many showing signs of corrosion and material fatigue. Employees lacked appropriate protective gear, and safety drills were reportedly nonexistent. Furthermore, the facility did not have an operational safety protocol, making it unprepared for catastrophic incidents like the explosion.
As a result of these violations, the EPA imposed the $5,000 fine and mandated a temporary permit fee of $1,263 to allow Sethi Ferro Fabrik to resume oxygen production for hospitals under strict supervision. While acknowledging the company’s role in supplying free oxygen to hospitals since the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency stressed that compliance with safety and environmental regulations remains non-negotiable.
In the wake of mounting public outcry, the House of Representatives has summoned key government officials and Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s management to appear before plenary on February 25, 2025, to provide explanations regarding the explosion and the company’s regulatory failures. The decision follows a formal complaint from Margibi County District 2 Representative Ivar K. Jones, who raised urgent concerns over industrial safety hazards. Officials expected to testify include representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Commerce, the Bureau of Concessions, and Sethi Ferro Fabrik’s management. Lawmakers will seek to understand how such a high-risk industrial facility was permitted to operate in violation of safety protocols and what steps will be taken to prevent future disasters.
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