A devastating explosion and fire at Metafrique Steel's factory in Douala, Cameroon, has resulted in four fatalities and 16 severe injuries. The blast occurred at approximately 7 am on Monday, November 2, at the company's iron-smelting plant in the Bassa Industrial Zone of Douala. Emergency responders arrived promptly to contain the inferno and evacuate survivors. The incident has sparked concerns over safety conditions at the facility.
Littoral Region Governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, confirmed the casualties, stating that an army rescue team recovered four bodies from the factory, while 16 injured workers were evacuated to Douala General Hospital. The governor expressed concern over the scale of casualties and the condition of the injured workers, many of whom sustained severe burns. He visited the scene and the hospital to assess the situation.
Governor Diboua criticised Metafrique Steel's management for allegedly failing to comply with safety requirements imposed after an earlier fire at the factory in May 2026. He called for the suspension of the company's operations, citing repeated incidents that require urgent attention from authorities. An investigation will be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion and determine whether the company complied with safety directives.
Metafrique Steel attributed the explosion to an "external factor" but stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the precise cause. The company expressed regret over the loss of lives and injuries sustained by workers. The incident has brought renewed attention to safety conditions at the factory, particularly the governor's allegation that recommendations and safety measures introduced after the earlier incident were not fully implemented.
This is not the first fire incident at the Metafrique Steel facility. On the night of April 30 into May 1, 2026, another fire broke out, leaving at least 10 workers injured. The company temporarily suspended production following that fire while investigations were conducted into its cause. The facility also recorded a fire in April 2022, when part of its raw material stock was affected, although no deaths were reported.
Metafrique Steel SA is a subsidiary of the Indian-owned Metafrique Group and has operated in Cameroon for approximately 15 years. The company specialises in recycling scrap metal and other ferrous waste to manufacture steel products. Its factory in Douala is located within the Bassa Industrial Zone, one of the country's major industrial areas, and employs hundreds of workers.
Authorities are expected to establish the immediate cause of the blast and determine whether any breaches of industrial safety regulations contributed to the disaster. The incident has left four families mourning their loved ones and 16 workers receiving medical attention, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster and allegations of repeated safety failures at the plant.
Key points
- Four workers killed, 16 critically injured in Cameroon steel factory explosion.
- Governor accuses company of ignoring safety measures prescribed after earlier fire.
- Investigation underway to establish cause of explosion and breaches of industrial safety regulations.
