A lorry carrying 28 female factory workers overturned on National Road 2 in Traing district’s Prey Sloek commune, Takeo province on Wednesday, causing minor injuries to 20, authorities said.

Traing district governor Chhuon Phanny told The Post on Wednesday that the lorry crashed because the driver was unable to steer it due to a technical error.

The 20 injured workers were taken to hospital.

Phanny said the lorry left Kiri Vong district and was speeding as it headed to a factory in Tram Kak district.

He said the driver did not properly inspect the lorry before its departure, and also questioned events after the accident.

“First of all, the police chief and his deputy [in charge of traffic] travelled to the scene and found only five injured workers with minor injuries. There was nothing seriously wrong among the 28 workers. But later, when they reached the hospital there were up to 20 injured workers,” he said.

The overturned truck was transported to the Traing district police office, where it will be inspected further.

The driver was not injured and was taken to the police office for questioning, Phanny said.

Traing district police chief Than Phal could not be reached for comment.

Cambodian Labour Confederation president Ath Thorn told The Post that workers are usually the ones who suffer in accidents caused by drivers ignoring technical checks, overloading their lorries with people, and disobeying traffic laws.

“The ministries of Interior and Public Works and Transport should ensure that vehicles are technically sound and that drivers are professional and committed to driving safely,” Thorn said.

He requested the government to closely inspect vehicles, monitor drivers properly and prepare roads and signs clearly to avoid similar traffic accidents.