At least four people have died and 16 others sustained serious injuries following an explosion and fire at a steel processing factory in Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, November 2, at the facilities of Metafrique Steel, located in the Bassa industrial zone. The explosion reportedly happened at around 7am, triggering a fire that quickly spread through parts of the industrial complex.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the blast, where four bodies were recovered. The 16 injured workers, many of whom suffered extensive burns, were evacuated to Douala General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Authorities described the condition of the injured as critical, raising concerns about their chances of recovery.
The disaster has renewed questions about industrial safety standards in Cameroon, particularly after officials disclosed that the factory had previously experienced a fire.
Governor Questions Factory’s Safety Measures
Littoral Region Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua visited the affected facility and later went to Douala General Hospital to see the injured workers.
During his visit, the governor criticised the company’s handling of safety requirements, arguing that measures introduced following an earlier fire had not been adequately respected.
He expressed concern that another serious incident had occurred at the same facility despite previous warnings and safety instructions.
The governor also indicated that the authorities could consider shutting down the factory’s operations while investigations continue.
His comments have placed the company’s safety practices under renewed scrutiny, particularly as workers and their families await further information about the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Metafrique Steel Responds to the Explosion
Metafrique Steel confirmed that its facilities in the Bassa Industrial Park had been affected by the incident.
In its initial response, the company described the explosion as an incident involving an external factor, while acknowledging that the precise cause had not yet been established.
The company did not provide a detailed explanation of what triggered the blast or identify the specific equipment or section of the plant involved.
It also did not release a comprehensive account of the damage caused to the facility.
The company’s statement came as emergency teams continued responding to the aftermath and injured employees received treatment at the hospital.
Investigators are expected to establish whether the explosion resulted from an equipment failure, an operational problem or another factor. No definitive cause has been publicly confirmed.
Previous Fire Raises Further Safety Concerns
The latest explosion has drawn attention to an earlier fire at the same industrial facility in late April and early May 2026.
That incident reportedly damaged parts of the factory and led authorities to issue safety instructions before operations resumed.
The recurrence of a major fire-related emergency has raised concerns about whether the recommendations made after the previous incident were fully implemented.
Governor Diboua’s criticism suggests that officials are examining not only the immediate cause of Monday’s explosion but also the company’s compliance with earlier safety requirements.
The investigation will be important in determining whether the latest disaster could have been prevented through improved equipment maintenance, workplace procedures or stronger emergency safeguards.
For workers in the Bassa industrial area, the incident has also renewed concerns about the risks associated with industrial operations and the protection available to employees.
Investigation Expected to Establish Cause
Authorities have announced an investigation to determine what happened inside the Metafrique Steel facility and whether any safety violations contributed to the explosion.
The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the blast, the spread of the fire and the emergency response that followed.
It may also consider the factory’s safety record and whether measures imposed after the earlier incident were properly implemented.
The governor’s comments have raised the possibility of a temporary or permanent shutdown, although the final decision will depend on the authorities’ assessment and the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the 16 injured workers remain under medical care at Douala General Hospital. The severity of their burns has made their condition a major concern for medical personnel and their families.
The four deaths have also left the affected families facing the immediate consequences of the workplace tragedy.
Industrial Safety Under Spotlight in Cameroon
The explosion is likely to intensify calls for stronger enforcement of industrial safety regulations in Cameroon.
Douala is the country’s main commercial centre and an important location for manufacturing, metal processing, trade and other industrial activities. Facilities operating in such sectors often involve heavy machinery, high temperatures and potentially hazardous production processes.
The latest incident highlights the importance of regular inspections, effective fire prevention systems, worker training and strict compliance with safety instructions.
It also raises questions about how authorities monitor factories after serious incidents and ensure that companies address identified risks before resuming operations.
As investigations continue, attention will remain on the condition of the injured workers, the possible closure of Metafrique Steel and the findings of the inquiry.
For now, the confirmed toll stands at four dead and 16 seriously injured, making the explosion one of the latest major industrial safety incidents to raise concern in Cameroon.
