A devastating fire broke out at Metafrique Steel, located in the industrial zone of Bassa, Douala, on November 2, 2026. The incident prompted an immediate response from the Cameroonian government, with the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry, visiting the site on November 3. He was accompanied by the Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Ivaha Diboua, and other high-ranking officials.
Following his visit to the factory, Professor Gentry ordered the shutdown of the plant and the sealing of its premises. This measure was taken as a precautionary step pending the outcome of an investigation into the causes of the fire. The minister also visited the General Hospital of Douala, where 16 people injured in the fire were being treated. He met with hospital officials, including Director General Professor Henry Luma.
The fire at Metafrique Steel resulted in significant damage to the facility, with many cables and installations destroyed. The incident also claimed the lives of five people, including one Indian and four Cameroonians. The bodies of the victims were discovered by firefighters on the day of the incident. In total, 50 employees were present at the factory when the fire broke out.
At the hospital, Professor Juliette Metogo, head of the anesthesia and intensive care department, provided an update on the condition of the injured. She stated that three of the 16 admitted patients had been discharged, while two were in critical condition and under respiratory assistance. Unfortunately, one of the injured patients later succumbed to their injuries, increasing the death toll.
The impact of the fire on the factory and its employees has been significant. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards and regulations in Cameroon's industrial sector. An investigation into the causes of the fire is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The shutdown of Metafrique Steel has immediate implications for the factory's operations and employees. The factory will remain closed until the investigation is completed and safety concerns are addressed. The incident has also sparked a response from the government, with officials emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in industrial settings.
The incident at Metafrique Steel highlights the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations in industrial settings. The government has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the causes of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Five people died in the fire at Metafrique Steel, including one Indian and four Cameroonians.
- The factory has been shut down pending the outcome of an investigation into the causes of the fire.
- Sixteen people were injured in the fire and received treatment at the General Hospital of Douala.
