Tragic Bus Plunge Claims Multiple Lives in Cambodia
A devastating bus crash in central Cambodia has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, with dozens more injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river.
Details of the Fatal Journey
The bus was travelling from Siem Reap, the city famed for the Angkor Wat temple complex, to the capital, Phnom Penh. According to Deputy Police Chief Siv Sovanna, the crash happened during the predawn hours in Kampong Thom province.
A preliminary police investigation indicates that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh typically takes around five and a half hours, and the bus had departed at night. All passengers on board were confirmed to be Cambodian nationals.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Search
It is believed approximately 40 passengers were on the bus at the time of the accident. Rescue teams worked throughout Thursday to search for any further victims in the river. The two dozen injured passengers received medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to a nearby hospital to await collection by their relatives.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the driver was among those killed. The community has been left in shock by this tragic event, which highlights a persistent issue on Cambodia's roads.
A Grim Context: Road Safety in Cambodia
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. Official figures from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport paint a sobering picture of road safety in the country. In 2024, 1,509 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Cambodia. The situation remains dire, with 1,062 fatalities recorded in just the first nine months of 2025.
This latest crash serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and driver awareness campaigns throughout the nation.
