A road accident that resulted in the death of the driver of General Manager of Chantier Naval leaving the GM himself in critical condition has sent tongues wagging in the problematic corporation. Alfred Forgwei Mbeng and his driver were travelling from Bamenda to Yaounde on the night of Sunday June 7 when the accident occurred around Bafia.

The cause of the accident has been linked to witchcraft owing to the fact that the four tires of the vehicle were all brand new. No one could explain why the front tire exploded without warning signals, causing the car to summersault into the air before landing back on the ground in a wreck. Eye witnesses said the vehicle was not speeding.

The general manager and his driver were transported unconscious to the general hospital in Yaounde where they were admitted and treatment started immediately. Despite all the attention and medication, the driver died Tuesday, June 9 while the General Manager is still on intensive care at the same hospital.

The car involved in the accident was reportedly his private car. The Journal gathered that the company car given him upon his appointment frequently broke down each time he sets out. He since decided to use his private car.

We gathered that Forgwei was running around making arrangements for the burial of his mother who passed away about three weeks ago. The remains of his mother are still lying in the mortuary. Considering the severity of the accident, many are wondering if the General Manager will be healthy enough to take part in the burial of her mother even though no date has been fixed yet.

Less than one year ago, Forgwei took over a Chantier Naval wallowing in debts and staff always threatening to go on strike over unpaid benefits. He succeeded a Francophone who took over from Zacheus Forjindam, presently serving a 25-year prison sentence at the New Bell prison in Douala. In 2008, Forjindam was found guilty of mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds.

Forgwei, who is presently bed-ridden, hails from Noni sub division in Bui division of the North West region.

The Journal gathered that Bassa elites have never appreciated the appointment of a non Bassa indigene as general manager of Chantier Naval. But when Forjindam, a North Westerner was fired in 2008, Antoine Bikoro, a Beti indigene was brought in. Upon Bikoro’s dismissal, Forgwei from the North West took over.

A closed aid to Forgwei hinted the Journal that the latter’s family members have called on him to resign from the job as soon as he leaves the hospital.