A devastating incident unfolded in Douala, Cameroon’s thriving business hub, when a four-storey block of flats crumbled onto an adjacent residential building during the night of Saturday, July 24th.
The death toll from this catastrophic building collapse surged to 37, leaving the nation in shock and mourning. As local residents shared their accounts, concerns about the structure’s “failings” and “cracks” surfaced, raising fears that more victims might still be trapped beneath the debris.
In what ranks among the most severe disasters in the country’s history, 37 people lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries, with five individuals in critical condition. Both a senior fire officer and the regional governor confirmed these figures to AFP on Monday, but they also warned that the casualty count might yet increase as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent building safety measures and continuous assessments to prevent such tragedies in the future. The nation mourns the loss of lives and stands in solidarity with those affected by this devastating event.
