Man, 45, Fatally Struck by ArcelorMittal Liberia Train Close To Kilometer 16

Grand Bassa County, Liberia: A tragic incident has unfolded in Grand Bassa County, where a 45-year-old man was struck and killed by an ArcelorMittal Liberia train near Kilometer 16, sources close to the scene have confirmed.

Eyewitnesses claim the victim, Trokon G. Sayweh, was attempting to cross the railway track when the train approached.

It remains unclear whether he was unaware of the oncoming train or unable to move out of the way in time. 

The victim’s brother, Jacob Sayweh, told reporters that Trokon had left home at 3:30 PM to visit James Henry Town but was later found dead following the accident. 

The locomotive was traveling from Buchanan to Sanniquellie in Nimba County when the incident happened.

Local residents, many of whom gathered at the scene shortly after the incident, expressed frustration over what they described as a “lack of safety measures” along the railway, which is frequently used to transport iron ore from Yekepa in Nimba County to the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County.

“We’ve been raising concerns for years,” one community member said. “There are no warning systems, no barriers, nothing to keep people safe, especially in a remote area like Kilometer 16.”

ArcelorMittal Liberia, the multinational mining company operating the railway, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

However, local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

This is not the first time a train-related incident has occurred along the railway. Community leaders are now calling on both the company and the Liberian government to urgently implement safety measures and education campaigns to prevent further loss of life.

The body of the victim has been taken to Abraham Roberts Funeral Service as they await funeral arrangements.

In the wake of the tragedy, the victim's older brother, Jacob Sayweh, has issued an emotional appeal to ArcelorMittal Liberia, urging the company to offer support to the deceased children.

According to the brother, the deceased was the primary breadwinner for his family and left behind several children who are now at risk of destitution.

Despite his grief, Jacob stated he does not wish to pursue legal action against ArcelorMittal Liberia but has called on the company to support the education of the deceased 16 children and provide financial assistance to his widow.