Family tragedy

Two sisters drowned in a river in Kampong Cham province late on Friday, despite their father’s efforts to save them.

Deputy police chief of Kampong Siem district in Kampong Cham, Tor Chan, said that the girls – 13-year-old Pang Sorya and nine-year-old Pang Phalla – had gone with their father, sister and cousin to wash two cows in a river in Koh Roka commune.

Despite two warnings from their father, Yan Bun San, the girls swam in deep water despite not being able to swim.

“When the father was focused on washing a cow, four of them started to drown.

“He could save only two and the two others died in the water. It is a tragedy for the family,” Tor Chan said.

Police added that the father shouted to a villager for help, but it was too late.

Officials said they are educating residents to take care of their children when they swim in the river.