Eseka rail disaster

A decade after Cameroon's deadliest rail disaster killed 79 people and injured more than 500, survivors are still living with serious injuries and unpaid compensation.

Disaster details

The Camrail train derailed near Eseka on 21 October 2016 while travelling from Yaounde to Douala, causing traffic disruption and adding numerous carriages.

Investigation findings

An investigation found the train was travelling at 96 km/h on a section limited to 40 km/h, with an overloaded train, extra carriages, and defective braking systems.

Survivor injuries

Eugénie, now 39, suffered neck fractures and lost independence, saying her life has ceased to exist due to constant pain and memory loss.

“I remember saying three times: 'Jesus, save me.' I was trapped underneath the carriage. I started praying and shouting: 'Please, come and help me, come and help me'”

Unfound body

Dorette Dissaké's body has never been found, and her husband Thomas Dissaké searches for answers with experts and Camrail.

“How is it possible that her body has never been found? The accident didn't happen at sea. Her carriage overturned at the station. They lifted it up and there was nothing.”

Criminal convictions

Camrail and 11 employees were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in September 2018, with the former managing director receiving a six-month suspended sentence.

Unresolved appeal

Camrail appealed against the convictions, claiming the 'absence of any qualified and competent expert assessment', but the appeal has not been heard.

Compensation issues

Lawyers say compensation awarded is too low given physical and psychological harm, with some payments still unpaid.