In what seems to be an effort to zero down on two death reports over the donation and receiving of a pickup by Arcelor Mittal Liberia and Liberia Liberia National Police (LNP) respectively.
Amidst reports of mysterious and tragic deaths of two individuals at Arcelor Mittal Liberia’s operating sites, the company has ignited controversy by donating a pickup to the Liberian National Police (LNP).
The donation raises eyebrows due to the irony of a company under police scrutiny for fatalities donating a vehicle to law enforcement.
These incidents in question have the proclivity to draw significant public attention following the deaths of Roseline Borbor, an articulated dump truck (ADT) operator at the Yekepa iron ore mines and a man who was discovered dead in train wagon of Arcelor Mittal.
Borbor’s fatal accident occurred on June 6, 2024, when the ADT she was operating overturned on a hill within the mine premises.
The circumstances leading to the accident, characterized by the truck losing control while descending a slope, have prompted serious questions about safety measures and operational protocols at Arcelor Mittal Liberia.
Less than a month prior to Borbor’s tragic death, Arcelor Mittal Liberia faced another grim discovery: a deceased individual found inside one of its train wagons.
The circumstances surrounding this incident remain obscure, contributing to concerns about security and oversight within the company’s transportation.
Before her death, a man in his early 30s, was discovered dead in train wagon belonging to Arcelor Mittal Liberia by security personnel at the entry point of Buchanan Port.
The body was found on Friday night, May 24, during the offloading of ore from the train to a ship.
The train, which originated from Yekepa in Nimba County, arrived at Buchanan Port at approximately 5:45 PM. It was carrying a load of iron ore and was marked with the number 9462.
The discovery was made by an operator who was offloading the ore from the sixth wagon at a location known as Tail Pulley, where train wagons are typically emptied.
A source within the Port of Buchanan reported that the body was found during routine offloading operations.
Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal confirmed the discovery, stating that the individual is not an employee of the company. The circumstances of how the man ended up in the wagon remain unknown, as the investigation continues.
The deaths of these individuals have not only triggered mourning among colleagues and management but have also ignited broader discussions about workplace safety and corporate responsibility in Liberia. Roseline Borbor, who had worked with Arcelor Mittal Liberia for a year, was highly regarded for her professionalism and dedication. Her untimely demise has left a void within the company and intensified calls for enhanced safety measures to protect workers.
Despite the gravity of these incidents, updates from the Liberian National Police regarding their investigations into the deaths have been notably absent. The lack of transparency surrounding the investigative process has fueled public skepticism and demands for accountability from both Arcelor Mittal Liberia and law enforcement authorities.
In response to these developments, the donation of a pickup by Arcelor Mittal Liberia to the LNP has been met with criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of such gestures amidst ongoing investigations. Critics argue that such donations may influence perceptions of impartiality and integrity in the investigation process.
As the investigation into these tragic events continues, stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public, remain vigilant in demanding transparency, accountability, and justice for the victims and their families.
The spotlight remains firmly fixed on Arcelor Mittal Liberia and the Liberian National Police, as they navigate the complexities of these investigations amid heightened scrutiny and public scrutiny.
