An anti-tank mine claimed the lives of three people and injured three others when the device detonated this week in Oddar Meanchey province.

Keo Tann, police chief of Trapaing Prasat district, yesterday identified the dead as Vin Lin, 25, Tha Tol, 30, and Mon Krit, 26.

“The mine also seriously injured two men and slightly injured one after their mini-tractor ran over it on their way to their farm,” he said.

He named Mon Kri, 22, and Van, 15, as the two men who were seriously injured, as well as Chok, 22, who was received minor injuries in the incident on Tuesday.

All the victims were farmers in Trapaing Prasat district. “We are worried for the peoples’ safety because too many mines were laid in our district during the war between the Khmer Rouge soldiers and the government’s troops,” said Keo Tann.

According to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, mines have claimed 11 lives and injured 50 others from January to March of this year, a total of 61 people.  When compared to the same three month period in 2010, 15 people were killed and 47 were injured.  

Sok Heng, secretary of Heng Ratana, director of CMAC, said earlier this week that the slight reduction in deaths could be attributed to education because more people are aware of the dangers associated with mines.