PPP

 

At least 16 people have died after a double‑decker sleeper bus crashed off a bridge in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, plunging into a river in the early hours of Thursday morning. The vehicle, operated by Virak Rithy Transport, was travelling from Oddar Meanchey to Phnom Penh via Siem Reap when it veered off the O’Prasat bridge at 3.20am.

 

Police confirmed that three more bodies, including that of the scheduled driver, were recovered late on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 16. Twenty‑four passengers were injured, 14 of them seriously. Kakoh commune police chief Bit Bunthoeun said the victims were found still strapped inside the submerged bus, which lay in five metres of water.

 

Investigators believe the crash occurred after the assistant driver, who had taken over the wheel, fell asleep. He survived the accident and is now under guard in hospital. Authorities also revealed that the company did not keep an accurate passenger manifest, complicating efforts to confirm the total number of travellers on board.

 

Virak Rithy Transport has pledged one million riel (around $250) in funeral assistance for each victim and promised further compensation through its insurance provider.

 

Interior Minister Sar Sokha expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families and warning that the disaster highlights the urgent need for stricter road safety. “This devastating disaster is a painful reminder of the value of life and the importance of respecting traffic laws,” he said.

 

The minister urged drivers to avoid speeding, intoxication and reckless overtaking, and reminded passengers to wear seatbelts or helmets. He stressed that enforcement, education campaigns, vehicle inspections and infrastructure improvements must be strengthened to prevent further tragedies.

 

“This is not about avoiding fines or pleasing authorities — it is about protecting your own life and safety. Don’t rush. Arriving slowly means arriving safely, back to your family,” he added.

 

The investigation continues as police search the river for any remaining victims and assess responsibility for one of Cambodia’s deadliest road accidents this year.

 

-2025-11-21

On 11/21/2025 at 10:36 AM, geovalin said:

the crash occurred after the assistant driver, who had taken over the wheel, fell asleep

 

Update;-

 IMO rather young to drive a fully loaded inter-provincial bus!

 

was operated by a 19-year-old driver,

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501793655/death-toll-rises-to-16-in-kampong-thom-bus-disaster/