Students' Tragedy Sparks Transport Oversight Call

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Kim Pagna, Cambodia country director of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation, has called for stricter safety oversight after five ...

PHNOM PENH – Kim Pagna, Cambodia country director of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation, has called for stricter safety oversight after five students died when their hired bus overturned and plunged into a pond.

It happened on November 10 on National Road 8 in Anlong village in Kandal province as they were travelling to BELTEI School's Prek Ta Mak branch.

The 25-seat vehicle was carrying 26 students. Preliminary police findings were that the driver was speeding and lost control after swerving to avoid a motorcycle crossing the road.

Five girls were killed, three students sustained serious injuries, and 18 had minor injuries.

Pagna called for stricter checks on vehicles and drivers transporting students, including driving licenses, regular vehicle inspections, passenger capacity limits, seatbelt use and insurance coverage.

He urged authorities to provide traffic assistance around schools during arrival and dismissal times and to ensure drivers got regular safety training.

Kandal Provincial Court ordered the detention of bus driver Men Thearit, 31, on charges of reckless driving and violating traffic laws, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, as well as driving without a license.

The investigating judge ordered Thearit to be held at Kandal Provincial Prison while the investigation continues,

The motorcyclist, who was not named, faces similar charges, including fleeing the scene.

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