On Friday, a tragic train crash in northwestern Cambodia left 45 people injured, with five of them in critical condition. The incident occurred in Krakor district of Pursat province around 11 a.m. when a train collided with a bus at a rail crossing.
According to Gen. Sar Theng, the police chief, the bus attempted to cross the tracks despite the train sounding its horn as a warning. The impact of the collision pushed the bus several meters, resulting in injuries to the passengers. The bus driver fled the scene, leaving behind those in need of assistance.
Sar Theng mentioned that a broken barrier at the crossing had not been replaced, despite a warning sign indicating the presence of a railroad crossing ahead. It is noted that many rail crossings in Cambodia lack safety barriers, posing risks to road users.
All the passengers on the bus were Cambodians who had hired the vehicle for a trip to a mountain nature resort. Sar Theng emphasized that the driver's negligence was a significant factor in the accident, as the train had signaled its approach with a loud horn.
Reports from Cambodia's national police and Ministry of Public Works and Transportation reveal that road accidents claimed nearly 1,600 lives last year. This tragic train crash serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to safety measures at rail crossings.
