2024-07-09 06:55:48
The Efoulan district of Yaoundé narrowly avoided disaster on Monday, July 8, 2024. An overturned tanker truck caused a veritable inferno of flames, sowing panic among residents. 237online.com takes you to the heart of this drama that could have turned into a disaster.
An accident that turns into a nightmare
At around 5pm, a tanker loaded with fuel overturned near the Efoulan district hospital. Within minutes, the scene had turned into a blaze of hell. The flames were so high that it looked as if the sky was about to catch fire.
Human greed makes the situation worse
According to the governor of the Central region, Naseri Paul Bea, the disaster was amplified by the recklessness of some residents. People rushed to collect the fuel”he laments. “It was this reckless handling that started the fire.”
This revelation raises questions about awareness of the dangers of flammable materials. This is a recurring problem. As long as poverty pushes people to take such risks, these tragedies will repeat themselves.
Efoulan hospital in the heart of the storm
The explosion caused panic at the nearby Efoulan district hospital, with medical staff having to urgently evacuate patients and caregivers.
« Our priority was to keep everyone safe.” explains a manager of the establishment. “We cut off the power and evacuated the hospital in record time.”
Heavy material damage, but no casualties
Although at least five houses were reduced to ashes, the worst was miraculously avoided. No human losses were reported, according to the authorities.
The firefighters, who were quickly deployed to the scene, managed to bring the fire under control after several hours of fierce fighting.
Questions that remain unanswered
This incident raises many questions about the safety of transporting hazardous materials in an urban environment. How could such an accident have happened in such a populated area?
A thorough investigation is needed. This kind of accident simply should not happen in the middle of a city.
As the Efoulan district heals its wounds, one question is burning on everyone’s lips: what measures will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again?