YAOUNDE, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji on Tuesday urged authorities to better manage hazardous chemicals and ensure workplace safety after an explosion in a steel factory injured 19 people.
The blast went off on Saturday inside the furnace of the steel company, Acero Metal Sarl, located in the commercial hub of Douala. An ensuing fire was quickly contained.
"All 19 people were injured. We have serious cases, but doctors are working hard (to save them). The government will do something to help the company," Nji told reporters while visiting the Indian company.
"We are going to improve on the safety measures. When we restart the company, we will provide more safety for our workers," said Dood Surjeet, general manager of the company.
An investigation into the cause of the blast was underway, Nji said.
Workplace accidents are common in Cameroon, where safety rules are frequently ignored, according to experts. ■