The scale of the phenomenon reflects a marked increase in unauthorized crossing points. While an official census by the Ministry of Transport counted 90 illegal crossings out of 217 intersections in 2022 (representing 41% of the total), the situation has significantly worsened, doubling the number of unsecured intrusion zones on the Transcameroon line and secondary lines. The consequences of this anarchic occupation of the railway right-of-way were illustrated on October 10, 2026, in the Obala district. Train 192Ve linking Ngaoundéré to Yaoundé collided at kilometer point PK 291+200 with a dump truck carrying sand, immobilized on an illegal crossing. The abandonment of the heavy vehicle on the track caused extensive damage to the locomotive, affecting mechanical modules, electrical structures, and the walkway. 

While the special railway police are conducting an investigation to establish individual liabilities—national regulations provide for up to two years in prison and a fine of 25 million CFA francs for obstruction—the concessionaire highlights the heavy industrial repercussions. Restoring a damaged locomotive after such collisions can require corrective investment exceeding 50 million CFA francs per affected unit. To preserve network integrity and stem the rise in accidents, Camrail's management is deploying a series of emergency measures. The action plan provides for the immediate closure of the Obala illegal crossing, the updating of the critical zone register, and the intensification of brush clearing on sections with visibility deficits. The concessionaire also intends to regularly audit physical closure devices to prevent any untimely reopening of these illegal crossings by local communities.


Nlend Flore

Tags: camrail chemin de fer cameroun passages clandestins securite ferroviaire obala accident train transcamerounais intrusion emprise maintenance locomotive prevention accidents