TARKEN, River Gee County – A tragic incident at a mining site in Tarken Township, Gbeapo Statutory District, has left one man dead and another seriously injured after a tree unexpectedly collapsed on Friday, April 11.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr., contributing writer
The deceased, 36-year-old Dennis Gbayor, was reportedly resting beneath the tree after hours of mining when it suddenly gave way, killing him instantly.
Gbayor, originally from Nimba County, had recently relocated to Tarken Town with his fiancée in search of better opportunities in the gold mining sector. On the day of the incident, he was assisting his friend, 25-year-old Daniel Adonko—also from Nimba County and a resident of Gbeapo Sweaken—with gravel washing at a mining site locally known as “Mexico,” deep in the forests of Tarken.
Adonko, who survived the collapse, told reporters that the two were drying gold under a tent and preparing to head home when disaster struck.
“It was just when we were waking up to go home that the tree fell on us,” he recounted.
Gbayor was killed on the spot, while Adonko sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local health facility.
A 15-member coroner jury, comprising security and health practitioners, investigated and ruled out foul play. In accordance with local customs, the body of the deceased was handed over to family members and buried at the scene.
Eyewitness Aaron Tweh, who was present during the incident, said the tree had been gradually weakened by nearby mining activity, as miners had cut most of its roots in their search for gold.
“Heavy rain and strong winds occurred between 6 PM and 7 PM. That might have contributed to the tree’s collapse,” Tweh told journalists.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with Liberia’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector and underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards to protect workers.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning, with residents expressing concern for the victim’s fiancée and children, who have been left vulnerable in the aftermath of the fatal accident.
