By: Emmanuel Tobotinho Quiah
MONROVIA – A tragic construction accident in Gbarken Community, Forpoh District, has raised serious concerns about workplace safety after four workers became trapped inside a well being dug for a water production project, leaving two feared dead and two others rescued.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the site of a water factory project reportedly owned by a local businessman popularly known as “Daddy.”
According to eyewitnesses, workers were installing concrete pipes into a newly excavated well when water began rapidly accumulating inside the structure. In an effort to remove the water and continue construction, a pump hose was lowered into the well.
Shortly afterward, four men reportedly entered or became trapped inside the confined space. Witnesses said panic erupted as cries for help echoed from the well, prompting residents to rush to the scene in an attempt to rescue the workers.
“We heard people shouting and immediately ran to help,” one resident recounted. “There was no rescue equipment available, so community members had to rely on their own efforts to save those trapped.”
After hours of frantic rescue attempts, two of the workers were successfully pulled from the well alive. However, two others remained trapped for several hours, fueling fears among residents that they may not have survived.
The accident has sparked widespread concern over safety practices at the construction site. Residents questioned whether workers had been provided with proper protective equipment, adequate supervision, and emergency response measures before entering the well.
“This should be a wake-up call,” a community member said. “No one should be allowed to enter a deep well without proper safety precautions in place.”
As of Monday morning, authorities had not officially confirmed the condition of the two workers who remained trapped, although concern continued to grow among family members and residents gathered near the site.
Local authorities and community leaders are expected to investigate the incident to determine what caused the accident and whether safety regulations were violated. The identities of those involved have not yet been officially released.
Residents are now urging authorities to strengthen enforcement of workplace safety standards across construction projects in Grand Kru County to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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