A major fire broke out on the night of April 30th to May 1st, 2026, at the Metafrique Steel production site, located in the Bassa industrial zone in Douala. The company has announced the suspension of its activities following this incident.
The provisional toll reports about ten injuries, including nine Cameroonians and one Indian. Some victims are in critical condition and are receiving intensive care at the Douala General Hospital, according to Pr Henry Luma Namme, director of the establishment.
The exact causes of the fire are still unknown. Unofficial sources suggest a possible fire outbreak at the furnace level, where metals are brought to temperatures above 1,500 degrees. An investigation has been opened by the company to determine the precise circumstances of the incident.
Pending the conclusions of the investigation, the management of Metafrique Steel has decided to temporarily close the factory. A psychological support system has been put in place to support employees and their families.
This is not the first incident of its kind for Metafrique Steel. In April 2022, a fire had already damaged stocks of raw materials, without causing any casualties.
Metafrique Steel is a subsidiary of the Indian group Metafrique, specializing in the recycling of ferrous waste for the production of concrete iron and steel. Established in Cameroon for about fifteen years, the company employs nearly 500 people and produces approximately 36,000 tons per year.
Metafrique Steel is part of the Cameroonian Organization of Metal Processing Industries (Ocitram), alongside Aciéries du Cameroun, Prometal, Alucam and Proalu. These companies account for about 95% of the national market, with an estimated annual turnover of 500 billion FCFA and more than 4,000 employees.
In November 2022, Metafrique Steel expanded its activities by acquiring Airgaz Cameroon, a company specializing in the production of industrial and medical gases.
This fire raises the issue of safety on steel sites and the need to comply with prevention standards. The resumption of production at Metafrique Steel will depend on the conclusions of the investigation and the measures that will be taken.
