The Bamenda explosion, which occurred last night at a bustling local bar, is confirmed to have claimed the lives of two people and injured 42 others. The explosion occurred around 8 PM, just below the maternity gate entrance of the Bamenda Regional Hospital.
Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences amidst the chaos. One man, nursing injuries in the hospital, shared, “I was sitting with friends, enjoying drinks, when I saw something move from where I was sitting. The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital, bleeding from my leg, with pain in my abdomen and head. My eardrum was also affected.”
Another passerby who suffered leg injuries recalled, “I was just walking by when it happened. If it weren’t for the swift actions of the hospital staff, I don’t think I’d be alive today. I am incredibly grateful to them.”
A 36-year-old woman, who had been at the hospital caring for her mother-in-law, described her close encounter with the blast. “We had just stepped out to get some food when the explosion happened. I saw the explosive whiz past my face before it landed. It injured both my legs and one of my husband’s legs.”
Dr. Angwafor Samuel, the medical adviser at Bamenda Regional Hospital, praised the hospital staff’s immediate response. “We heard two loud explosions just below the Maternity gate around 8 PM. Our staff quickly mobilized for this mass casualty event. We recorded 41 injuries and two deaths.
Dr. Samuel further elaborated on the situation, “One victim was dead on arrival, another died at the hospital, 11 are being closely monitored, and 28 have been discharged. I commend our staff for their swift action in stabilizing the patients. It’s important to note that all treatments are being provided free of charge.”
The bar’s proprietor expressed his distress and fear following the incident. ” I believe this is a deliberate attack against my business. This is the second time my bar has been targeted; the first time it was an improvised explosive device, now it’s grenades. I urge my customers to remain courageous despite this tragedy.”
Local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the attack, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. The community is on high alert as the probe continues, with residents struggling to come to terms with the increasing insecurity that has left a deep scar on the once-peaceful city of Bamenda.
