Cameroon nightclub fire: More than a dozen dead in Yaounde blaze
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Loading... - Samira Vandi
- 24 Jan 2022
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At least 16 people have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, the government said.
The blaze was caused by fireworks used in the club, it said.
The fire engulfed the main room of Liv’s Night Club in the capital’s upmarket Bastos district, home to embassies and diplomat residences. Authorities said the fire spread to a place where cooking gas was being stored.
“We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded,” said government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi on Sunday.
“The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede,” the communications ministry said.
“There were loud explosions from six gas bottles, causing panic in the neighbourhood.” the government statement said, adding that eight others were injured and taken to Yaounde’s Central Hospital.
A security guard present at the time of fire said “it happened very quickly”.
“It was a little after 2am and most customers arrive around 3am … there are many victims,” the security guard said.
The incident comes as the country hosts thousands of football players, fans and match officials from across the continent for the monthlong African Football Cup of Nations tournament.
In a statement, Cameroon President Paul Biya called for calm and assured AFCON players and fans of their safety.
The championship, featuring teams from 24 countries, was originally scheduled for 2021 but then was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to a presidential directive, the city police have launched an investigation. Read More…
