A somber cloud hangs over the community near Kilometer 16 in Grand Bassa County after a tragic railway accident claimed the life of 45-year-old Trokon G. Sayweh.
The incident occurred last week when Sayweh was fatally struck by an ArcelorMittal Liberia train reportedly en route from Buchanan to Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, Sayweh was attempting to cross the tracks when the train approached.
It remains unclear whether he failed to notice the oncoming train or was unable to move out of its path in time. The impact was fatal.
The victim’s brother, Jacob Sayweh, told reporters that Trokon had left their home around 3:30 PM to visit a nearby James Henry Town. Hours later, the family received the devastating news of his death.
Local residents, many of whom rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, voiced growing frustration over what they described as long-standing negligence regarding railway safety.
The tracks, used regularly to transport iron ore from ArcelorMittal’s Yekepa operations to the Port of Buchanan, cut through several remote communities that lack basic safety infrastructure.
“There are no warning signals, no barriers, and no protective systems in place for pedestrians,” Joe Abra a community member voiced out. “We’ve been raising these concerns for years, but nothing changes,” he added.
This fatality is not the first involving ArcelorMittal Liberia’s train operations. Community leaders are now renewing their calls for immediate intervention urging both the company and the national government to prioritize the installation of safety measures and the launch of public awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of life.
While ArcelorMittal Liberia has yet to release an official statement, local authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Sayweh family is grappling with an unimaginable loss. Trokon Sayweh, remembered as a dedicated father and provider, leaves behind a widow and 16 children.
His older brother, Jacob, made an emotional plea to ArcelorMittal Liberia for support, emphasizing the family’s vulnerable state.
“We are not looking to sue the company,” Jacob told reporters. “But we are pleading with ArcelorMittal to help the children he left behind to support their education and provide some relief for his widow.”
The family has confirmed that funeral arrangements are being handled by Abraham Roberts Funeral Service, with logistical support from ArcelorMittal Liberia following a private agreement between the parties.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked calls for accountability, with District Superintendent Michael Vambram demanding an immediate and transparent investigation.
Superintendent Vambram, speaking to reporters on Friday, described Sayweh as a well-known and respected member of the community—“a man who was peaceful, productive, and deeply admired for his respectful nature.” His death, Vambram said, has left a void in the district and reignited concerns about longstanding safety issues along the ArcelorMittal railway.
“This tragedy could have been prevented,” Vambram lamented. “There are simply not enough safety measures in place along the tracks. This isn’t the first time a life has been lost.”
According to Vambram, Sayweh’s death marks at least the fourth fatality along the railway corridor in recent years. Each incident, he says, underscoring the growing risk to residents living near the tracks.
He further criticized what he called the “filthy and neglected” condition of the railway surroundings, claiming that the poor maintenance has been both a health hazard and a safety threat to nearby communities.
The Superintendent called on ArcelorMittal to release video footage from the train involved in the incident, noting that the company’s locomotives are equipped with cameras that record activities along the rail line.
“This footage is critical,” he stated. “It can help us understand what really happened to Trokon Sayweh. ArcelorMittal must cooperate.”
Vambram warned that any refusal by the company to release the recordings would only deepen public distrust and escalate tensions.
“If ArcelorMittal attempts to withhold the footage and ignore the outcry of our people, we will be left with no choice but to take further action,” he cautioned.
He also issued a direct appeal to the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, urging lawmakers to step in and ensure that the community receives justice.
“This isn’t just about Trokon,” he said. “It’s about every family that has suffered loss because of negligence and indifference.”
Vambram appealed to residents to remain calm and peaceful in the wake of the tragedy, even as he pressed the company to take urgent steps toward restoring community trust and ensuring public safety.
The Superintendent’s strong stance has amplified growing concerns about corporate accountability and infrastructure safety in resource-rich regions like Grand Bassa, where local communities often find themselves grappling with the side effects of industrial operations.
As investigations into Sayweh’s death await a formal start, residents and local leaders alike continue to demand answers and assurances that no more lives will be lost along the tracks.
