By Marie N. Carnu
An unidentified young woman died instantly after a speeding truck crushed her at Longbaba, Douala, at midday on November 19.
Eyewitnesses recounted the scene, describing how the woman was standing by the roadside, cautiously checking for oncoming vehicles before crossing.
“She was still about to cross when a truck, speeding recklessly, knocked her down. These truck drivers, whenever they see an empty road, accelerate without regard for people’s safety,” one witness stated.
The impact was devastating, and her lifeless body was later transported to the mortuary.
This tragic event highlights ongoing safety concerns in Douala, Cameroon’s bustling economic capital.
The city, a hub for heavy truck traffic transporting goods, is particularly prone to such accidents.
In 2019, the Ministry of Transport introduced regulations banning heavy trucks and trailers from operating in urban centers, including Douala and Yaoundé, during the day.
The restrictions were designed to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety, permitting truck movements only at night.
Despite these measures, accidents involving heavy trucks remain alarmingly frequent, underscoring lapses in enforcement.
On October 17, another tragic accident at Mimboman claimed three lives and left several injured.
Further complicating the issue, truck drivers have periodically protested these regulations.
In May 2021, drivers blocked entry points to Douala at night, causing significant disruptions.
A subsequent protest in 2022 followed additional restrictions near Cameroon’s northern border with Chad, citing operational challenges for transporters.
As the festive season approaches, residents of Douala and Yaoundé are increasingly concerned about road safety and the effectiveness of measures to protect citizens from such preventable tragedies.
