A tanker truck, allegedly belonging to MNG Gold Liberia Mining Company, reportedly transporting hydrochloric acid, caught fire in Electoral District #2, Money Sweet Town, Kokoyah Statutory District #1, triggering widespread concern among residents over an alleged chemical spill.
The incident, which occurred along a major community route, has prompted urgent calls for intervention from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other national authorities.
Residents in Money Sweet Town and surrounding villages alleged that chemicals from the truck spilled into nearby water bodies following the fire.
According to community members, the substance-identified locally as hydrochloric acid-has spread rapidly, contaminating creeks, hand pumps, and other water sources relied upon for daily use.
“Our creek water has changed color and smell. We are afraid to drink it or even wash with it,” said a resident of Money Sweet Town.
Another resident said access to safe water has become a serious challenge since the incident. We are suffering. There is no clean water now, and children are getting sick,” he claimed.
Residents also complained of air pollution, alleging that fumes from the chemical spill have caused breathing difficulties and discomfort, especially among children and the elderly.
“The air is not normal anymore,” said an elderly woman, a mother of three. When the fire happened, we smelled something strong, and since then people have been coughing,” she lamented.
Community leaders say several hand pumps and local water systems are no longer functional, forcing residents to walk long distances in search of safe water.
Affected citizens are demanding that MNG Gold Liberia Mining Company take responsibility by providing immediate alternative water supplies.
They are also calling on the government to deploy healthcare workers to assess and treat possible chemical exposure in the affected communities.
Officials of MNG Gold Liberia Mining Company had not publicly commented on the incident.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also not issued an official statement, as residents continue to await urgent intervention to address what they describe as an escalating environmental and public health threat.
