A bus heading to Cameroon’s West region lost its brakes while descending a hill on the Kekem-Bafang road early Monday morning, crashing into a nearby building. The November 18, 2024, accident, fortunately, resulted in no fatalities, though one passenger sustained minor injuries.
The Kekem-Bafang route has become a vital alternative to the Dschang Cliff road after landslides on the latter claimed multiple lives.
Eyewitnesses commended the driver’s quick thinking during the incident. “We thank the driver because his caution saved us. Without his actions, we might not have survived,” said a passenger at the scene.
The driver, who reported conducting all necessary technical checks before the journey, was at a loss to explain the brake failure. The accident caused significant material damage to the building struck by the bus.
A Call for Vehicle Safety
Authorities have attributed the crash to mechanical failure rather than poor road conditions. This highlights an urgent need for stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance standards, particularly for buses traveling on steep, high-risk routes like Kekem-Bafang.
“This route now serves as a lifeline for those avoiding the perilous Dschang Cliff. Ensuring vehicles are in top mechanical condition is paramount,” said a local transport official who inspected the scene.
The incident underscores the importance of prioritizing passenger safety as Cameroonians continue to rely on alternate routes following the devastating Dschang Cliff landslides.
