Three people were killed and five injured in a traffic accident yesterday morning in Kampot province when the driver lost control of the wheel, crashing into an oncoming motorbike.

The truck, carrying 13 railroad workers and heading south on National Road 3 in a torrential downpour, reached Teuk Chhou district when it swerved and hit a motorbike with two passengers who died on impact. The vehicle turned over, killing one railroad worker and injuring five others before the driver fled the scene fearing mob violence.

Chea Pyra, Teuk Chhou deputy police chief, said the bodies were returned to the victims’ families and the injured were sent to hospital. Both vehicles are currently impounded at the provincial police station for further investigation.

So Buntheourn, a cousin to two of the victims, told the Post he will file a lawsuit after the funeral if the family is not immediately compensated for the damages.