New Year’s celebrations in Douala took a tragic turn as two men in their early 30s died in a motorcycle accident early on Monday morning.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 2:00 AM near the Bonapriso district.
The victims, identified simply as “Lukuako” and Loïc, were reportedly travelling on a motorbike towards a nightclub in Bonapriso when a vehicle travelling behind them lost control due to suspected brake failure.
The car collided with the motorcycle, both throwing riders onto the road.
Tragically, Lukuako and Loïc succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The driver of the car suffered severe injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
His condition is currently unknown. “It’s a heartbreaking incident,” stated a local traffic police official who preferred to remain anonymous.
“This is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during festive periods when traffic tends to be heavier and people may be celebrating with alcohol,” the officer added.
According to the friends of the deceased, they were all having a good time in a snack around Bonamoussadi when the two decided to change spots for a better ambiance and chose Bonapriso.
“We were all enjoying ourselves at Bonamoussadi, then Lukuako said he wanted to go elsewhere since he had enough cash on him. Loïc followed him. They took a bike and on their way, they were intercepted by a car that lost its breaks and the unfortunate happened,” one of their friends said.
“It’s really a heartbreaking death. Lukuako was such a lively person full of life. Always jovial and kind. We are still in shock,” he added.
Friends and family of the deceased rushed to the accident scene upon hearing the news.
Social media platforms were flooded with tributes and condolences, painting a picture of two young men whose lives have been cut short.
The accident has sparked renewed calls for stricter traffic regulations and enforcement in Douala.
Concerns have been raised about overspeeding, reckless driving, and drunk driving.
“This is not just a personal tragedy,” said a community leader from Bonapriso.
“It serves as a warning to all of us to be more responsible on the road. We must prioritise safety and respect traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.”
According to reports from Lukuako’s friends, his corpse removal and burial have been scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, while that of Loïc remains unscheduled.
