By: Elijah Easter Kaykay
A leaking fuel tanker at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints compound in Buchanan sparked initial rumors of a secret crude oil discovery but was confirmed Wednesday by local officials as the source of a fuel spill.
The tanker, used for church operations and stored at the facility on Preston Street, began leaking early Wednesday morning.
Authorities emphasized that no licensed fuel storage sites operate in Grand Bassa County, dispelling speculation among residents about an illicit depot.
Word of the spill quickly drew dozens of Buchanan residents to the site, where they scooped up the leaking fuel — believed to be gasoline — using buckets and containers.
Several residents told reporters they planned to resell the fuel to cover school fees for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Liberia National Police Commander Williams Johnson, leading the Grand Bassa detachment, deployed officers alongside other security teams to secure the area.
“We’re urging everyone to stay clear due to the risks of fire, inhalation and environmental contamination,” Johnson said in a statement to the press.
The church confirmed the incident but declined to disclose the volume of fuel lost or further operational details.
No injuries have been reported, and officials continue to assess the site for cleanup and to prevent additional leaks.
Environmental experts have been consulted to evaluate potential impacts on nearby soil and water sources.
