By Matalay S. Kollie
A 20-foot container truck transporting rubber from Nimba County to Monrovia was completely destroyed by fire along the Kakata Highway, leaving the vehicle and its cargo reduced to ashes. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Eyewitnesses said the truck was carrying a consignment of rubber reportedly belonging to a farmer identified only as Mr. Gaye of Nimba County. The driver, identified as “Kamara,” managed to escape unharmed after steering the burning vehicle off the main road.
Witnesses described a sudden outbreak of flames that quickly engulfed the truck. One observer said the driver’s quick action helped prevent what could have been a more serious situation for other road users.
Speaking at the scene, Pastor Moses D. Kulah of Zion Christian Fellowship Church, who witnessed the incident, called for improved emergency response capacity in the country. He said:
“I saw the truck burning. The truck catches up with fire, but the driver managed to quickly drive it off the road. It would have been very dangerous. We will recommend to the government so that the government can try to empower the Fire Service department. The fire service came late. But they did well. I appreciate the Fire Service of Liberia, on a serious note.”
Firefighters later arrived at the scene and succeeded in bringing the blaze under control, though the truck and its cargo had already been destroyed.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and no investigation has been announced at this time.
