At least 16 people lost their lives and more than 20 others were injured early Thursday morning (Nov 20) after a long-distance bus plunged from a bridge into a canal in central Cambodia. The crash, which happened around 3 a.m. in Kampong Thom province, is being described as one of the country’s most serious road accidents this year. The vehicle, carrying 37 passengers, was traveling overnight from Oddar Meanchey toward the capital, Phnom Penh.
Local outlet Camboja News reported that the bus had stopped in Siem Reap—an area known for Angkor Wat and heavy tourist traffic—to pick up additional passengers before continuing its nighttime route. Early police assessments suggest that fatigue may have played a role: one of the two drivers assigned to rotate shifts is suspected of having fallen asleep at the wheel. Authorities have not yet clarified whether that driver survived, but they confirmed that all passengers were Cambodian nationals.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha shared images from the site showing emergency crews working to lift the wrecked bus from the canal and continuing to search the area throughout the day. Initial death tolls reported 13 victims, but the figure rose to 16 after additional bodies were recovered. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Cambodia, where nighttime driving, inconsistent vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue frequently contribute to serious accidents.
