Deadly Matomb Crash: Multiple Fatalities in Yaoundé-Douala Highway Collision

According to eyewitness reports, a cargo truck collided head-on with a passenger bus, triggering a pile-up. The tragic event is believed to have been caused by a previous unmarked accident on the same stretch, which may have led to the chain reaction.

“There was already a damaged vehicle ahead without warning signs. The bus driver had no time to react before hitting the oncoming truck,” a shaken survivor told reporters.

Casualties and Emergency Response

While the official death toll is yet to be confirmed, several passengers are reported dead on the scene, with many others seriously injured. Rescue teams, including gendarmes and firefighters, are currently engaged in evacuating victims and clearing the wreckage.

Major Traffic Blockage

The accident has brought traffic to a standstill in both directions on one of the country’s busiest intercity corridors. Authorities are urging all road users to avoid the Matomb descent and instead use:

• The Yaoundé-Douala highway (autoroute) as a detour,

• Inner-city routes through Matomb where possible.

A formal statement from the Ministry of Transport is expected shortly.

Renewed Questions Over Road Safety

This tragedy again highlights serious flaws in Cameroon’s road safety systems, including poor signage, lack of accident alerts, overloaded vehicles, and driver fatigue on long-distance routes.