Dozens dead in Cameroon train crash

  • 22/10/2016
People left stranded after the train derailed (CRTV)
People left stranded after the train derailed (CRTV)

Fifty-five people have been killed and more than 500 injured when a packed passenger train travelling between Cameroon's two largest cities derailed and overturned.

Speaking on state radio, Transport Minister Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo'o said the figures represented a provisional toll from Friday's accident, which occurred near the train station in the town of Eseka, around 120km west of Yaounde.

Dozens dead in Cameroon train crash

It is understood the front seven carriages of the train overturned (CRTV)

It is understood the train may have been overcrowded with reports of around 1300 on board instead of the usual 600 passengers.

Heavy flooding across the country has destroyed highways, which forced many people to take the train.

State broadcaster CRTV reports two crisis centres have been set up to deal with crash as well as a hotline for those concerned about friends and family involved.

The train company says it is too early to determine a cause.

Reuters / Newshub.