Palme D’or is a public limited company that specializes in the production, processing, and local consumption of agricultural products such as soap, detergent, and oil. It was established in 2012 to ensure the supply of crude palm oil to SN-HUSACA.
Following a tragic explosion at the Palme D’or factory on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the incident has sparked strong emotions and widespread speculation on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp groups, not only about the exact causes of the explosion but also regarding the official death toll.
In a press release published on March 21, 2024, on the official Facebook page, which also circulated in WhatsApp groups, it was stated: “Palme D’or, a reputable company and a major player in the national economy, suffered a serious incident yesterday, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, which resulted in the loss of three lives and fourteen injuries. The accident was caused by a boiler explosion due to a technical issue and improper pressure control by the operator in charge at that time.” The statement, signed by the General Management, further added, “In this difficult time, we ask everyone to refrain from spreading falsehoods out of respect for those of us who are mourning. We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Contacted by Centrafrique Check on Friday, March 22, 2024, Patrick Yondo, a freight forwarder at Palme D’or, confirmed the figures stated in the press release: “The numbers mentioned by this online user are completely false. We recorded 3 deaths and at least 11 injuries. The injured were all taken to the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital, and the deceased are at the morgue of the General Hospital in Bangui,” he said.
Verdict:
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, a fatal boiler explosion occurred at the Palme D’or factory, a public limited company involved in the production, processing, and consumption of local products, located in the LESSE commune, north of Mbaïki in the Lobaye prefecture. An investigation team has been mobilized to determine the exact causes of the accident. Preliminary results indicate that the person responsible for monitoring the boiler’s operation abandoned their post. Improper pressure control by the other operators in charge also contributed to the tragedy, according to the General Management’s press release.
In summary, the post claiming a provisional death toll of 60 people and about twenty injuries during the explosion at the Palme D’or factory is false, as verified by Centrafrique Check.
This article was edited by fact-checking journalist Ndamoyen Esdras Mich.
