Police were continuing their search Sunday for the driver of a dirt truck which killed a senior military official and left another military officer injured in a truck-and-motorcycle accident Friday on National Road 1 in Kandal province.
The driver, who remained unidentified Sunday afternoon, is wanted for questioning in the accident that killed RCAF intelligence Lieutenant Keo Sopan, 53, in Kien Svay district, just outside of Phnom Penh, Kandal province traffic police officer Hang Sovanara said.
One of the truck’s big wheels crushed Keo Sopan’s head and part of his torso, killing him instantly, Hang Sovanara said. Touch On, 38, an officer who worked in central RCAF headquarters, was seriously injured, said Hang Sovanara.
Touch On was rushed to Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, Hang Sovanara said. He was in good condition and alert at the hospital.
The two officers were on a motorcycle when the accident occurred, Hang Sovanara said. A truck carrying a full load of dirt veered into their lane from the other direction, and the two vehicles collided. Touch On and Keo Sopan were thrown from the motorcycle, Hang Sovanara said. Keo Sopan slid under the truck, he added.
The stretch of National Road 1 where the accident occurred is considered treacherous for motorists, Hang Sovanara said. “The road is small and there are many travelers,” he said. “Most of the drivers like to drive fast.”
Authorities have pinned blame for the accident on the truck driver, according to Hang Sovanara. “The truck was wrong because it did not stay on its own side of the road,” he said.
The driver of the truck fled the accident scene, leaving the truck behind, Hang Sovanara said.
Police have found the owner of the truck in Phnom Penh, and he has promised to pay compensation to the two men’s families, Hang Sovanara said.
A settlement has not yet been reached.
