Fuel tanker explosion kills at least eight people in Cameroon
Firefighters were working throughout the day to extinguish the flames of the raging truck, which carried more than 36,000 litres of fuel when it exploded. Authorities said the tragedy began when the truck lost its brakes on the Mutengene Hill. It ended its uncontrolled descent near the Likomba bridge in Tiko.
At least eight people have been killed and several others injured after a fuel tanker exploded early Friday in Likomba, near Tiko, in Cameroon’s Southwest Region. According to authorities, the blast occurred after the tanker’s brakes failed while descending a hill, causing it to crash into vehicles and nearby structures before erupting into flames. The explosion left the tanker completely burnt, destroyed multiple vehicles, and damaged surrounding homes. Rescue teams recovered bodies from the debris, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. Several survivors were rushed to the Tiko District Hospital for treatment, while army firefighters worked to contain the blaze and secure the area. Fuel tanker accidents remain common in Cameroon due to heavy reliance on road transportation for petroleum products, coupled with poor road conditions and mechanical failures, which often contribute to such deadly incidents.
