SETHI FERRO FABRIK PROMISES TO COMPLY WITH POLICE INVESTIGATION, REGRETS INDUSTRIAL DEATH AT FACILITY

February 25, 2025

Monrovia: The Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik Inc has promised to fully comply with police ongoing investigation into the incident that led to the death of one of its employees.

Wednesday February 17, 2025, there was an industrial explosion incident that led to the death of one of its employees Saah Samukai assigned at the company’s Oxygen Plant in Gardnerville.

“As the relevant government authority conducts its investigation, we are fully cooperating and remains committed to learning from the incident and reinforcing our safety protocols were necessary”.

The Company said it has begun immediate engagement with the family of Samukai and will do everything to support them during these critical periods. In a release, the Company clarified that contrary to media reports suggesting two fatalities and multiple injuries, only one death occurred, and no other injuries were sustained.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues affected by the tragic loss”. The statement noted. The Company said immediate action has been taken as the result of the incident, emphasizing that the safety and wellbeing of its employees is important noting that the company will continue to work to uphold the highest industrial standards.

The management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik, however, noted that it recognizes the fact that no system is infallible and will take the incident with the utmost seriousness.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has halted ongoing operations at the steel factory after the explosion at the site. EPA took the action against SETHI following the explosion incident. EPA’s Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey said an assessment was done at SETHI’s facility which showed much more safety concerns.

Dr. Emmanuel Urey named the Lack of fire safety measures, absence of emergency preparedness plans, Improper handling of oxygen tanks, and expired environmental permits that led to the death of a Liberian. Urey also informed the public that SETHI was operating overused and corroded compressed gas cylinders which he said were discovered during and after a full-scale technical investigation  

“While EPA recognizes the significance of supplying life-saving oxygen to medical centers in Liberia the Halt Order will be lifted once the company pays the fine and pays the temporary permit fee of one thousand two hundred sixty-three (US$1,263) United States Dollars, make sure to follow these corrective measures to avoid such occurrence” Dr Urey added.

Additionally, a fine of five thousand (US$5,000.00) United States Dollars was placed on the management of Sethi Ferro Fabrick to be paid into Government account.