Five people were killed and seven others injured in a traffic accident in Battambang province’s Mong Russei district on Thursday, traffic police said Sunday.
The truck, packed with 13 guests returning from a wedding celebration to their village in Chrey commune, had attempted to cross a rickety bridge but veered off into the river below, according to Sath Kimsan, provincial traffic police chief.
“The truck skidded, crashing through the bridge’s railing and into the stream,” Mr. Kimsan said.
“Two people died immediately at the scene and the other three died at the hospital shortly afterward,” he added.
The rest of the passengers were rescued, including the truck’s driver, he said, adding that the part of the river the truck fell into was about 10 meters deep.
Accidents involving rudimentary trucks over-packed with passengers are not uncommon on Cambodia’s roads. Last week four people were killed in truck accidents in Kratie and Mondolkiri provinces.
