Meiganga bus crash spotlights Cameroon’s road safety crisis

Road safety in Cameroon — a national emergency

Cameron records around 16,000 road crashes annually, resulting in roughly 1,000 deaths per year—though WHO estimates place fatalities at up to 6,000 due to under-reporting. This tragedy not only takes lives, it costs the country nearly CFA 100 billion annually—equivalent to 1 % of GDP or the cost to build 10,000 classrooms.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why crashes happen

Accidents are often caused by poor road infrastructure—most highways are unpaved, shoulders are narrow or missing, and curves and intersections are poorly designed. Meanwhile, vehicles are aging and overloaded, and enforcement of traffic laws is weak.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Recent tragedy and troubling patterns

Just last year, a bus plunged into a ravine on National Route 4 near Mbanga, killing many returning from holiday. In January 2021, a fatal collision at Dschang’s Cliff killed 53 people—including several young travelers. Fog, brake failure, and illegal transport of fuel were all cited as contributing factors in that catastrophe.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What needs to change

Cameroon must urgently improve road-triangle routes, particularly those linking Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam. Measures include widening lanes, building guardrails, enforcing speed limits, and installing clear signage. A coordinated road safety strategy—integrating crash data systems, better licensing, vehicle upkeep, and public awareness—is vital.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For more coverage of national safety concerns, visit the Cameroon Concord Society section.