Douala: Littoral Governor says SOCATUR bus accident killed two persons, injured two others

The governor of the Littoral region, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua has said two people were killed and two other injured at Valley Bessengue Douala on Wednesday May 8, 2024 by a public transport bus belonging to the SOCATUR company.

He gave the official statistics after visiting the accident scene and the Laquintini hospital where the victims were transported.

“It was getting to midday when we were informed of the accident. We rushed to the scene and later to the Laquintini hospital where we were informed the two corpses were deposited in the morgue and one injured victim. Another injured person was hospitalized in a clinic at Bessengue, making a total of two persons injured.” The governor clarified.

The old SOCATUR public transport bus reportedly suffered a brake failure while descending the hill from Avenir Voyage.

“The bus was tight full. All of a sudden it hit two vehicles while descending on high speed. Everyone started shouting. I held a steel and began praying. The bus crushed a biker with passengers and got beneath the bus, forcing it to stop.” A passenger who was in the SOCATUR bus narrated.

Just few passengers sustained minor injuries. Most came out unhurt.

“I came out without a wound or fracture. Some got injuries because they were hitting each other as the driver was avoiding a crash. When the bus stopped, the doors couldn’t open. We came out through the windows.” Another passenger told CNA.

Circulation was perturbed for hours as road users had to make use of one path with security forces battling to reestablished circulation.

It should be noted the bus was transporting commuters from Bonaberi to town.

Most of the SOCATUR buses are very obsolete and noted for frequent breakdowns around the city of Douala.