A deadly explosion at the Sethi Ferro Fabrik Steel Company in Gardnersville has claimed the life of at least one worker and left dozens severely injured. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when a series of oxygen cylinders detonated at the steel manufacturing facility located in the Monrovia Industrial Park. The explosion sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, raising fresh concerns over workplace safety at the company.
Eyewitnesses described the blast as powerful enough to shake nearby buildings, causing widespread panic among residents and factory employees. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, and the wounded were transported to various medical facilities for urgent treatment. However, reports indicate that several victims remain in critical condition due to the severity of their injuries.
Local residents and labor advocates have expressed outrage over what they describe as persistent safety lapses at the Sethi Ferro Fabrik plant. Many workers, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, claim that the company has repeatedly ignored warnings about faulty equipment and hazardous working conditions. They allege that Sethi’s management prioritizes production over worker safety, creating an environment where such disasters are inevitable.
Adding to the growing controversy, sources suggest that the company is actively working to suppress information about the explosion. Employees have reportedly been warned against speaking to the media, and there are allegations that management is attempting to downplay the scale of the disaster to avoid regulatory scrutiny. These claims have only fueled public anger, with calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
This is not the first time Sethi Ferro Fabrik has faced scrutiny over workplace safety. In August 2021, a similar explosion at the facility resulted in multiple injuries and the death of an expatriate worker. At the time, the company assured the public that safety measures had been strengthened to prevent future incidents. However, Tuesday’s tragedy has cast doubt on those claims and reignited concerns about whether proper protocols are being followed.
Residents living near the industrial park have also voiced frustration, citing ongoing health and environmental risks the steel plant poses. Many complain about constant exposure to toxic fumes, excessive noise pollution, and fears of another deadly accident. “This factory has been operating without proper oversight for too long. How many more people must die before something is done?” one angry resident told reporters.
Government authorities, including the Ministry of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency, are now facing mounting pressure to intervene. Critics argue that regulatory bodies have been too lenient with companies like Sethi, allowing them to operate with minimal accountability. Some labor unions are calling for the immediate shutdown of the facility until a thorough safety audit is conducted.
The Liberia National Police have confirmed that an official investigation is underway, but details remain scarce. Authorities have yet to determine whether negligence or operational failures contributed to the explosion. Meanwhile, families of the victims are demanding justice, calling on the government to hold Sethi accountable for the loss of life and the injuries sustained by workers.
Sethi Ferro Fabrik is Liberia’s only operational steel manufacturing plant and employs over 500 workers, including both Liberians and expatriates. Established in 2019 under former President George Weah’s administration, the factory was hailed as a major step toward industrialization. However, ongoing safety concerns and repeated accidents have cast a shadow over its operations.
In response to the disaster, labor rights activists are renewing demands for stronger enforcement of workplace safety laws. They argue that Liberia’s labor laws, though well-intentioned, are often poorly implemented, allowing major corporations to exploit workers without consequence. The Federation of Liberian Trade Unions has called for an urgent review of the country’s occupational safety standards.
Survivors of the explosion and their families are now struggling with an uncertain future. Many injured workers, most of whom earn modest wages, are unable to afford long-term medical treatment. Some have reportedly been discharged from hospitals without receiving adequate care, sparking further outrage. Advocates are urging Sethi to take full responsibility for the medical expenses of those affected.
Meanwhile, as pressure mounts on Sethi’s management, many are questioning whether government agencies will take decisive action or allow the issue to fade with time. Critics argue that past industrial accidents have been met with little more than temporary suspensions and vague promises of reform, with no meaningful changes implemented.
Opposition critics have seized on the incident, accusing the government of failing to protect Liberian workers. Some lawmakers are calling for legislative hearings to investigate not only Sethi Ferro Fabrik but also broader concerns about workplace safety across the country. They argue that labor exploitation and corporate negligence remain unchecked, putting thousands of workers at risk.
