By: Bryan Dioh
A major accident involving a Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) tanker has
resulted in the loss of an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 gallons of processed
palm oil. The incident occurred along the Pleebo-to-Harper highway while the
tanker was transporting oil from MOPP’s processing facility in Pleebo to the
Port of Harper.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker veered off the road and plunged into a
nearby valley. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Following the accident, residents from nearby communities rushed to the
scene and were observed collecting the spilled oil that had spread across the
valley floor.
Several locals expressed regret over the incident, noting the potential
economic impact on MOPP, a key employer and supporter of livelihoods in
Maryland County. This is the first such incident reported since MOPP began
transporting oil via the Harper port route.
MOPP, alongside Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), is one of two major palm oil
companies operating in southeastern Liberia. The company’s main processing
facility is located in Pleebo.
The Liberia National Police have launched an investigation to determine the
cause of the accident.
