A road accident left more than 50 factory workers injured, some of them severely, in Kampong Speu province’s Samrong Tong district on August 5, when their truck carrying over 70 people overturned on a winding road.

According to Kampong Speu provincial police, the accident took place shortly after 5pm, as a result of the truck travelling at an “excessively high speed”.

District police chief Khut Sophal confirmed that the injured had been rushed to private and state hospitals, with a total of 51 people sustaining injuries.

“Eight of the injured are in serious condition,” he said.

Kampong Speu police chief Sam Samuon said the truck driver had fled the scene, and a manhunt was underway.

“The police are searching for the driver to hold him accountable according to the law,” he said.

The accident comes at a time when a concerted campaign is being carried out by NGOs and relevant state entities to reduce traffic accidents for workers, particularly focusing on safe transportation.

Expressing his regret over the incident, Hun Many, lawmaker for the province, thanked the authorities and hospitals for treating the injured.

“I also urge all people to be more careful in their travel,” he said.

Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), shared his regret that such accidents continue to happen despite ongoing campaigns to prevent them. Thorn saw the case as a blatant violation of traffic safety rules by the driver.

“Trucks transporting workers often lack proper seating like a bus. Moreover, the driver was careless by overloading his truck with workers. Sometimes, these trucks are modified and do not adhere to technical regulations. Therefore, more action needs to be taken on this issue,” he said.