At least six people, including children, have died following the collapse of a two-storey building in Bonamoussadi, Douala V Subdivision, after heavy overnight rains in Cameroon’s economic capital.The tragedy occurred during the night of July 10 to 11 behind the Saint-James Hotel, prompting an emergency response from firefighters based in Ngodi-Akwa. Police, gendarmerie officers and rescue teams were also deployed to the scene. According to the Douala City Council, the collapsed building had previously been identified as unsafe and was marked as being at risk of collapse. Although the structure had reportedly been abandoned and earlier occupants evacuated, witnesses said it continued to shelter families from Cameroon’s northern regions as well as homeless youths locally known.
Residents further claimed that the building owner had repeatedly warned occupants to vacate the premises, stopped collecting rent, and said he would not be responsible if the building collapsed. Firefighters reported that six other people sustained injuries. Three victims in critical condition were transferred to the Douala General Hospital, one person with moderate injuries was taken to Bonamoussadi District Hospital, while two others suffered minor injuries.The building’s advanced state of dilapidation has been cited as the likely cause of the collapse, although investigations are expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Search and rescue teams continued combing through the rubble throughout Saturday before officially concluding operations at 3:47 p.m. The final toll released by the firefighting unit stood at six fatalities and six injured. The incident has renewed concerns over the occupation of unsafe buildings in Douala and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
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