T he death toll from the explosion and fire at Metafrique Steel SA in Douala has risen to five, prompting the government to seal the factory pending in vestigations into the causes of the industrial disaster. The incident occurred at about 7:30 am on November 2, 2026, in the company’s Bassa industrial zone installations, destroying one of its furnaces. Speaking after visiting the site, the Mi nister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry, disclosed that about 20 workers were affected. Seven were seriously injured, while three had been discharged from the hospital and continued receiving treatment. The government has closed the affected industrial unit to allow investigations to esta blish the exact circumstances of the explosion. The minister assured bereaved families of the government’s support and said that authorities would work with the company to strengthen workers’ welfare and safety. He also announced a meeting with companies in the sector to reinforce industrial safety requirements. The tragedy co mes barely six months after another fire struck Metafrique on April 30, 2026, causing ca sualties and significant material damage. The recurrence has renewed concerns about com pliance with industrial safety regulations and the effective ness of preventive measures. Metafrique Steel, a subsidiary of the Indian Metafrique Group, has operated in Cameroon for approximately 16 years. Lo cated in the Bassa industrial zone, the company specialises in recycling scrap metal and manufacturing steel products, partic...
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