A bus accident near Nkongsamba miraculously spared the lives of 70 passengers thanks to the unexpected intervention of a palm tree. The Musango Express bus, traveling from Bafoussam to Buéa, suffered a flat tire in the middle of the night, around 2 a.m.
According to initial reports, the sudden bursting of a front tire caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The bus then veered off the road and plunged into the dense vegetation bordering the roadway. The area, known for its rugged terrain and deep ravines, is considered a black spot on the Cameroonian road network.
The bus tumbled down a steep slope, but its descent was abruptly halted by a firmly rooted palm tree. The tree acted as a natural barrier, absorbing the impact and preventing the vehicle from plunging to the bottom of the ravine. The passengers, although severely shaken, realized they were safe.
This accident brings the issue of road safety in Cameroon back into the spotlight. In the short term, it underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance, including regular tire checks to prevent punctures, especially on long night journeys. Transport companies are being called upon to address their responsibility for vehicle maintenance.
In the longer term, the safety of road infrastructure is at stake. While the presence of a tree helped avert a tragedy, it cannot be a permanent solution. The lack of safety barriers and clearance zones on the roads of Nkongsamba exposes travelers to considerable risks. Each year, Cameroon records an average of 16,583 road accidents, causing the deaths of more than 1,000 people, according to official figures. The World Health Organization estimates this number to be more than 6,000.
The question remains: how many incidents will it take before road safety becomes an absolute priority in Cameroon?
