A powerful shockwave shook Fabrique Ngousso in Yaoundé on the night of January 27, 2025, causing severe injuries and tragic casualties. A prolonged water outage caused the incident, leading to an excessive buildup of pressure in the pipelines that ultimately burst a valve. The explosion damaged the road surface and flooded several homes in the area.
A six-year-old boy lost his life in the disaster. Several other victims, some with serious injuries, currently receive intensive care at the Yaoundé General Hospital.
Concerns Over Water Supply Issues
Residents of the Ngousso neighbourhood frequently express frustrations over water shortages. People were astonished by the presence of CAMWATER pipes, considering their prolonged lack of water supply. A local resident expressed disbelief:
“CAMWATER pipes still exist, yet we have not had water for a long time.”
This statement highlights existing water supply issues that authorities did not adequately address, ultimately contributing to the incident and its tragic consequences.
Demand for Government Action
After the disaster, some residents urge the government to act immediately to prevent similar accidents in the future. A concerned inhabitant suggested relocating the water pipes from the middle of the road.
“Removing the water pipes from the middle of the road would be wise.” Improper roads lead to frequent accidents if we don’t find a solution immediately.
Effects on Traffic and Infrastructure
The damage to the road raises concerns about increased traffic congestion around Total Ngousso. Residents urge authorities to repair the road swiftly to avoid further disruptions.