A speeding car smashed into the World Food Program’s Phnom Penh offices Tuesday night, destroying a security booth, damaging portions of the organization’s front wall and leaving the driver badly injured, officials said Wednesday.
The speeding Toyota Corolla struck a curb outside the UN agency’s offices on Street 63 at about 11:55 pm, said Pen Khun, deputy traffic police chief in charge of accidents.
The car, driven by Sam Chivorn, 28, became airborne and soared through the air for approximately 10 meters, demolishing the WFP’s wooden security hut, knocking out a portion of fencing along the WFP’s concrete wall, and felling a large tree within the agency’s compound.
Sin Sak, the security guard who was on duty at the WFP offices at the time, said the car burst into flames after it landed on the sidewalk.
Sin Sak—who was not inside the booth when it was destroyed—said he extinguished the fire and pulled Sam Chivorn and a female passenger from the wreckage.
Sam Chivorn was unconscious and smelled of alcohol, Sin Sak said, while the female passenger was slightly injured.
After several minutes, another car arrived and unidentified persons took Sam Chivorn and the injured woman from the scene, Sin Sak said. Police arrived later.
Pen Khun did not say where Sam Chivorn is receiving treatment, but said the mangled car is being held at the traffic police station.
Pen Khun said that there have been 22 traffic accidents in the capital since Chinese New Year celebrations began Saturday, leaving two dead and 18 critically injured.
Thomas Keusters, WFP country director, said that the driver’s family has contacted the WFP and promised to pay for the damage.
