Tragedy on the Road from Angkor Wat
A deadly bus crash in Cambodia has claimed the lives of at least thirteen people after a passenger bus veered off a bridge and into a river. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 20th November 2025, in the central province of Kampong Thom.
Details of the Fatal Journey
According to Deputy Police Chief Siv Sovanna, the bus was travelling from Siem Reap, the gateway to the famed Angkor Wat temple complex, to the capital city, Phnom Penh. The crash happened during the predawn period, cutting short a journey that normally takes around five and a half hours.
A preliminary police investigation indicates that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The driver was believed to have been drowsy following the nighttime departure from Siem Reap. Authorities have not confirmed whether the driver was among the fatalities.
Rescue Efforts and National Toll
It is believed approximately forty passengers were on board the vehicle at the time of the accident. While thirteen passengers were confirmed killed, two dozen others sustained injuries. Rescue teams continued their search on Thursday for any further victims.
Police confirmed that all those on the bus were Cambodian nationals. The bodies of the deceased will be held at a local hospital near the crash site until relatives can collect them.
This tragic event highlights a severe road safety issue within the country. Official figures from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport reveal that 1,509 people died in traffic crashes in Cambodia in 2024. A further 1,062 fatalities were recorded in just the first nine months of 2025, underscoring a persistent and devastating trend.
