Metafrique Steel explosion kills four in Douala industrial zone

At least four people have died and 16 others have sustained severe injuries following a massive explosion at the Metafrique Steel processing plant in Douala, Cameroon. The incident occurred on Monday morning at the facility located within the Bassa industrial zone, one of the city's primary economic hubs. The blast was immediately followed by a fire that swept through sections of the metallurgical plant before emergency services could bring the situation under control.

Local authorities and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion to coordinate rescue efforts and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring industrial properties. The 16 injured individuals, many of whom are reported to be in critical condition with severe burns, were rushed to the Douala General Hospital for urgent medical treatment. According to regional officials, while the fire resulting from the explosion has been successfully extinguished, the impact on the facility's operations and infrastructure is significant.

An official investigation has been launched by regional authorities to determine the precise cause of the disaster. While the inquiry is in its early stages, representatives from Metafrique Steel have suggested that the explosion may have been triggered by an "external factor," though the company did not provide further specifics regarding this claim. The Regional Governor has visited the site and assured the public that a thorough assessment will be conducted to establish the facts and review safety protocols at the industrial plant.