By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched a preliminary investigation into the discovery of a mysterious dead body on board an ArcelorMittal train wagon in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
According to information, the body hidden under an extracted ore prepared to be transported out of Liberia, identified to be in his early 30s, was discovered by security personnel at ArcelorMittal’s entry point at Buchanan Port.
The body, as reported by Verity online news, was found on Friday night, May 24, 2024, during the off-loading of ore from the train in preparation for shipment from Liberia to the ArcelorMittal company country of designation.
Also, the train, which originated from Yekepa in Nimba County, arrived at the Buchanan Port carrying a load of iron ore and was marked 9462.
The discovery was made by an operator who was off-loading the ore from the sixth wagon at a location known as Tail Pulley, where train wagons are typically emptied and a source within the Port of Buchanan reported that the body was found during routine off-loading operations.
Meanwhile, Arcelor Mittal has confirmed the discovery of the body, stating that the deceased is not an employee of the company while the circumstances of how the man ended up in the wagon remain unknown, as the investigation continues.
In a statement released by ArcelorMittal over the weekend, said, “ArcelorMittal immediately informed the Liberia National Police, who has launched a formal investigation that the company will cooperate fully with the investigation.”
The body remains under security watch as the investigation continues. There is speculation about the possibility of foul play. Local tensions have recently flared between community members in Nimba County and ArcelorMittal over the company’s operations in the area.
This friction led to roadblocks set up by traditional brush masters, disrupting the company’s activities.
However, these blockades were lifted after a dialogue between the company and local stakeholders, allowing for continued negotiations.
The police are however urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward as they work to unravel the mystery behind the death.
ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company, operates in 60 countries with primary steelmaking facilities in 17. In 2020, the company reported revenues of $53.3 billion, with crude steel production of 71.5 million metric tonnes and iron ore production of 58 million metric tonnes. ArcelorMittal aims to contribute to building a better world with smarter steels.
