A tragic accident at a mining site in Tarken Township, Gbeapo Statutory District, River Gee County, claimed the life of a 36-year-old man and left another seriously injured after a tree suddenly fell on them on Friday, April 11.
The deceased, Dennis Gbayor, had been resting beneath the tree following hours of labour at the site when it unexpectedly collapsed, killing him instantly. Gbayor, originally from Nimba County, had recently moved to Tarken Town with his fiancée in pursuit of better opportunities in the local gold mining sector.
On the day of the incident, Gbayor had been helping his friend, 25-year-old Daniel Adonko—also a native of Nimba County and a resident of Gbeapo Sweaken—wash gravel at a gold mining site popularly known as “Mexico,” located deep within the forest.
Adonko, who survived the ordeal, recounted that they were drying gold beneath a tent and preparing to return home when the tree fell without warning.
“It happened just as we were waking up to go home,” Adonko told local reporters. He sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a nearby medical facility.
A 15-member coroner jury, which included security personnel and healthcare workers, conducted an immediate investigation and ruled out any foul play. In line with customary practices, Gbayor’s body was released to his family and buried at the site.
An eyewitness, Aaron Tweh, suggested the tree may have been weakened by ongoing mining activity. “Miners had cut through most of the tree’s roots in search of gold,” Tweh explained, adding that heavy rains and strong winds between 6 and 7 PM on the day of the incident may have contributed to the collapse.
The incident has cast a shadow over the community, drawing renewed attention to the hazardous conditions faced by workers in Liberia’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector. It has also raised concerns about safety oversight in such operations.
Residents have expressed deep sympathy for Gbayor’s fiancée and children, who are now left in a vulnerable position following his untimely death.
