55 dead, 600 injured as crowded train derails in Cameroon

Tragedy struck in the central African country of Cameroon when a crowded passenger train skidded off the tracks along the route that links the capital Yaounde with the economic hub of Douala.

The accident which occurred on Friday according to Transport Minister Edgar Alain Mebe Ngoo took place near the central town of Eseka – 120km west of the capital Yaounde – as the train travelled to the economic hub of Douala.

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“The cause of the accident is not yet clear,” said the minister, via state broadcaster CRTV.

Edgar added that several of the injured were in very serious condition.

Updating an earlier toll, Edgar said 55 people had been confirmed dead and a further 575 were injured in the incident – several in very serious condition.

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