Metafrique Steel explosion kills four in Douala
16 employees were burned and taken to Douala General Hospital following a blast at the steel plant.
An explosion at the Metafrique Steel factory in Douala on November 2, 2026, killed four people and injured 16 others. The blast occurred around 7:30 AM in the Douala-Bassa industrial zone, triggering a significant fire and causing extensive material damage.
Firefighters recovered the four bodies, while the 16 injured employees were transported to the Hôpital Général de Douala. Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua visited the hospital to check on the victims, some of whom are in serious condition. Metafrique Steel stated the incident's origin was external and that causes are still being determined.
This is not the first incident at the plant, which specializes in rebar and recycled steel production and has been in Cameroon for about 16 years. An earlier fire on May 1, 2026, injured at least 10 people, leading to a production suspension. Authorities have announced an investigation and potential conservatory measures, including a possible suspension of the company's activities.
Why it mattersFour people died and 16 employees were injured in an explosion and fire at the Metafrique Steel factory in Douala.