BREAKING: A catastrophic bus accident in Cambodia has claimed the lives of at least 13 passengers and left over two dozen injured. The tragic incident occurred early this morning when a passenger bus traveling from Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple, plunged off a bridge into a river in the central province of Kampong Thom.
Authorities confirm that the bus was en route to the capital, Phnom Penh, when the accident happened around pre-dawn hours. Deputy police chief Siv Sovanna reported that the bus was carrying approximately 40 passengers, all Cambodian citizens. Rescuers are still searching for any additional victims as recovery efforts continue.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver may have been drowsy after departing from Siem Reap late the previous night. The journey typically takes around five and a half hours. It remains unclear whether the driver is among the fatalities, as the investigation is ongoing.
The deceased will be held at a local hospital until their families can claim them. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in Cambodia, where traffic accidents resulted in 1,509 fatalities in 2024 and a further 1,062 deaths in the first nine months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
As the nation mourns this devastating loss, authorities are urging travelers to prioritize safety on the roads. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by passengers in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
