Ministry of Transport Investigates ArcelorMittal Liberia Railway Collision in Nimba County
Nimba County, Liberia – May 29, 2026 – In line with its statutory mandate to ensure the safety, efficiency, and proper regulation of Liberia's transport sector, the Ministry of Transport has dispatched a high-level technical investigative team to Nimba County following a railway collision involving two locomotives belonging to ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
The four-member delegation, headed by the Assistant Minister for Land and Rail Transport, Hon. Zunu K. Duyann, traveled to the incident site on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to conduct an assessment of the collision, determine its causes, and provide recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. The delegation comprised:
1. Hon. Zunu K. Duyann – Assistant Minister for Land and Rail Transport
2. Mr. Amos B. Utah – Director for Rail and Waterways
3. Mr. Shadrach D. Brown – Director for Press and Public Affairs
4. Mr. Ousman Kamara – Driver
Upon arrival, the Ministry's investigative team held discussions with representatives of ArcelorMittal Liberia's management team, led by Mr. Mulbah Gbazee, who provided a detailed account of the incident. According to AML, the collision occurred at approximately 3:54 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, when two company locomotives collided along the railway corridor.
Mr. Mulbah informed the Ministry's delegation that each locomotive is operated by two trained operators and supported by two conductors. He noted that operators and conductors generally work shifts ranging between eight and twelve hours per day.
Providing further technical details, AML explained that each rail wagon measures approximately 13 meters in length and that one of the trains involved in the collision consisted of about 120 empty wagons returning from Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The second locomotive, carrying iron ore from Yekepa, Nimba County, was en route to the Port of Buchanan when the collision occurred.
During the site assessment, the Ministry's investigative team observed that fewer than thirty railway sleepers sustained damage as a result of the incident. The team also noted damages to crops belonging to nearby farmers and residents along sections of the railway corridor.
Addressing concerns regarding compensation, Mr. Mulbah stated that ArcelorMittal Liberia intends to compensate affected farmers whose crops were planted outside the company's designated 15-meter railway right-of-way. However, crops cultivated within the restricted railway corridor will not qualify for compensation due to non-compliance with established safety regulations governing the railway reserve.
The Ministry's delegation also sought clarification regarding reports of injuries. Mr. Mulbah disclosed that only four individuals sustained injuries during the collision, contrary to earlier reports from some media institutions which suggested that fourteen persons had been affected. He emphasized that all injuries were minor and that there were no fatalities.
According to preliminary findings shared by AML management, the primary cause of the collision was attributed to technical oversight coupled with poor communication between the operators of the two locomotives. The company further reported that eight wagons derailed during the incident; however, recovery operations were swiftly undertaken and the affected wagons have since been restored.
Speaking during the visit, Assistant Minister for Land and Rail Transport Hon. Zunu K. Duyann reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport's commitment to promoting railway safety across Liberia. He emphasized that the Ministry will thoroughly review all findings from the investigation and work closely with stakeholders to strengthen safety measures, improve communication protocols, and enhance operational oversight within the rail transport sector.
The Ministry of Transport commends ArcelorMittal Liberia for its cooperation during the investigation and remains committed to ensuring that railway operations throughout the country adhere to the highest standards of safety, accountability, and efficiency.
A comprehensive investigative report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations will be submitted to the leadership of the Ministry of Transport upon completion of the assessment.
