Four men, including popular singer Chhom Bunyong, sustained injuries Sunday after two vehicles–a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV in Prime Minister Hun Sen’s convoy and pickup truck reportedly driven by a one-star RCAF general–collided on a dirt road near the Preah Vihear temple in Choam Ksan district.
May Thaiya, deputy district police chief, confirmed yesterday that there had been an crash between the two vehicles in Toek Krahom commune, but would not reveal the names or professions of those involved. According to Mr Thaiya, the convoy was heading from the temple to the Lao-Thai-Cambodian border, Mom Bei.
“We can’t get the exact report, but they were sent by helicopter to Siem Reap,” said Mr Thaiya, who added that neither side was at fault and that the accident happened because of high levels of dust coming off the dirt road.
The pickup truck driving a one-star RCAF general hit the Land Cruiser carrying the singer, a TV cameraman and a national military police officer, said the brother of Mr Bunyong and a staff member, whom wished to remain anonymous, at the Royal Angkor International Hospital.
According to the hospital staff member, all four men are recuperating. Two broke their arms, while the general broke a leg. He did not know what injury the cameraman sustained. Chhom Monychoth, Mr Bunyong’s brother said he had been operated on.
Rath Sophea, Preah Vihear provincial information chief, confirmed that an accident had occurred involving a vehicle in the prime minister’s convoy, but that he has not yet made up a report. Neither side is at fault for the accident, he said.
