Minister Gentry: Orders Metafrique Steel Factory Douala Closure After Fire

• The Metafrique Steel factory in Douala-Bassa industrial zone was temporarily shut down and sealed on November 3, 2026, following a violent fire.
• Interim Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry ordered the closure pending the results of an investigation into the incident.
• The human toll from the fire has risen to five deaths, including four Cameroonians and one Indian national.
• Three injured employees have returned home, while two others remain on respiratory assistance.
• The Minister visited the Douala General Hospital to check on the injured and met with medical staff.

This incident underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance in Cameroon.

A severe fire erupted at the Metafrique Steel factory, located within the Douala-Bassa industrial zone, leading to a tragic loss of life and significant disruption. The metallurgical plant was officially shut down and placed under seal on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following the destructive blaze that swept through its facilities. This decisive action, the Metafrique Steel factory Douala closure, was mandated by Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry, who serves as the interim Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development. The government's immediate response underscores the gravity of the Douala-Bassa industrial zone incident.

The human cost of the inferno has tragically escalated, with the provisional death toll now standing at five individuals. This somber update emerged as authorities began to assess the full impact of the disaster. The factory's temporary shutdown is a critical step to allow for a thorough examination of the site and to prevent further risks while investigations are underway.

In the wake of the devastating fire, interim Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry promptly engaged with the situation, demonstrating a direct and hands-on approach. Following a crucial crisis meeting held with Metafrique Steel company officials, the Minister proceeded to the Douala General Hospital. His visit aimed to ascertain the condition of those injured in the incident, where he conversed with medical personnel, including Professor Henry Luma, the hospital's General Director. Minister Gentry also personally visited the most severely affected victims receiving care.

The Metafrique Steel temporary shutdown and the sealing of the premises are directly linked to the ongoing Metafrique Steel fire investigation. This official inquiry has been launched to meticulously determine the precise circumstances that led to the catastrophe. The Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry order explicitly states that the factory will remain closed pending the full conclusions of this investigation, highlighting the government's commitment to understanding the root causes and ensuring accountability.

The tragic toll from the industrial fire has been confirmed at five fatalities, a figure that includes four Cameroonian nationals and one Indian citizen. This additional death was recorded as medical teams continued to manage the aftermath of the incident. The severity of the injuries sustained by some employees necessitated intensive medical intervention.

According to Professor Juliette Metogo from the resuscitation department, three employees who were injured have since been able to return to their homes, indicating a degree of recovery for some victims. However, two other individuals remain in critical condition, requiring ongoing respiratory assistance. The medical updates provide a stark reminder of the profound human impact of the Douala-Bassa industrial zone incident, underscoring the long-term challenges faced by those affected.

The Metafrique Steel factory Douala closure and the subsequent investigation bring into sharp focus the critical importance of adherence to industrial safety protocols and Cameroon factory fire regulations. Such incidents serve as a potent reminder of the potential dangers inherent in industrial operations and the necessity for stringent oversight. The government's swift action to seal the premises and initiate an inquiry reflects a commitment to upholding safety standards and protecting workers.

The findings of the Metafrique Steel fire investigation will be crucial not only for determining liability in this specific case but also for potentially informing future policy adjustments regarding industrial safety. Ensuring robust compliance with Cameroon factory fire regulations is paramount to preventing similar tragedies and safeguarding lives within the nation's industrial zones. This incident underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance in Cameroon.

This incident underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance in Cameroon. Lawyers should advise clients on potential liabilities following industrial accidents, including worker compensation, regulatory fines, and the legal process for resuming operations after a government-ordered closure and investigation.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun.