In Yaoundé, Cameroon, a disastrous collision occurred when an oil tanker train collided with a freight train, leading to a major spill of fuel oil onto the tracks. This incident set the stage for chaos when one individual, in search of oil to scavenge, inadvertently triggered a catastrophic explosion. The explosion was powerful enough to claim the lives of 120 people and injure many others. Eyewitnesses reported that flames erupted dramatically from the spilled oil, creating a scene of devastation that was difficult to comprehend.

The aftermath showed how vulnerable urban infrastructure could be to such accidents, and the significant loss of life highlighted the dangers associated with the transportation of hazardous materials. Emergency services faced enormous challenges in managing the blaze and providing medical assistance to the injured. The community was left in shock, grappling with the loss of lives and the destruction of property. Many families mourned their loved ones who died due to a moment of reckless scavenging in the wake of an accident.

In the following weeks, the government of Cameroon faced scrutiny over safety regulations concerning the transportation of hazardous substances by rail. Investigations were launched to understand the causes of the train collision and whether adequate safety measures were in place to prevent such accidents in the future.