The driver of an SUV, who later tested positive for illegal drugs, was arrested on Thursday after crashing into an oncoming van, injuring 22 factory workers on their way to work at the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, police said.
The van, which was carrying 24 passengers and a driver, overturned on National Road 4 in Preah Sihanouk province after being hit by a Honda CRV heading toward Phnom Penh at about 7 a.m., said Seng Chamroeun, the traffic police chief in Prey Nop district.
“The CRV drove into the lane of the SsangYong van and then crashed into its back wheel,” Mr. Chamroeun said, adding that the van driver tried to swerve, but was unable to avoid the collision.
Deputy provincial police chief I Sokha said the SUV driver, whom he declined to identify, was arrested at the scene and brought to the provincial police station where he tested positive for unspecified drugs, and was placed in provisional detention.
The commute to work is one of the greatest dangers for the country’s industrial workforce.
