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Uy Nousereimony and Heng Chivoan

FOUR families who lost their homes after a petroleum truck caught fire in Phnom Penh’s Prampi Makara district on Tuesday have filed complaints to the district hall demanding compensation.

District governor Som Sovann said the complaints would be sent to Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

“It is ultimately the court that will decide which party will be responsible for paying compensation to the villagers because the case depends on the police investigation,” he said.

He said it was unclear whether the truck was owned by Sokimex Company or Socheat, the petroleum station where it burst into flames, sending a plume of black smoke over the city about midday.

The owner of Socheat was arrested on Tuesday, and police continued to question him yesterday, Phnom Penh Police Chief Touch Naruth said.

Police are urging five other families who lost their homes to lodge complaints.

“We do not know the total cost of the damages yet,’’ he said.