Mining Accident in Chengbetee Leaves Man With Serious Hand Injury

By: Emmanuel Koffa | Grand Kru Correspondent

Chengbetee, Grand Kru County| January 16, 2026 |  A serious mining accident in Chengbetee Bolloh Statutory District has sparked renewed concerns over worker safety and equipment handling at informal mining sites in Grand Kru County.

The incident occurred at about 1:30pm on Thursday along the Dorbor River in the Chengbetee bush, where mining activities are reportedly ongoing.

The case was reported to police by Promise Amanoi, a 25-year-old Ghanaian national of the Gahn tribe and a resident of Chengbetee.

According to a police situation report, a worker identified as Alphonso Grugbaye, 51, a Liberian national of the Gio tribe and a resident of Doeswen, sustained a severe injury to his right hand during mining operations.

Preliminary information indicates that the injury occurred when the victim’s hand came into contact with the engine of a mining machine while at work.

Officers of the Grand Kru County Police Detachment responded promptly to the report and proceeded to the Buah Health Center, where the injured man had been taken for emergency treatment.

Police said the victim was found in critical condition upon their arrival.

Medical personnel at the Buah Health Center provided initial care but later referred Grugbaye to Fish Town Hospital for advanced medical treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.

The Liberia National Police say investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether proper safety measures were in place at the mining site.

Authorities note that the incident underscores the growing risks faced by workers in remote mining areas, where access to safety equipment and oversight remains limited.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.