An anti-tank mine killed three and injured three others in the second mine explosion in Battambang province in a week.

The blast occurred on Sunday in Battambang’s Samlot district when a group of farmers tried to push a tractor out of the mud, according to Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.

“There were two small tractors. The first passed the area, and the second became stuck in mud,” he said. “[The victims] attempted to push the small tractor out, building pressure and causing the explosion.”

Brothers Nob Nuon, 22, and Nob Non, 19, as well as Chheng Din, 36, were killed instantly, Hem Sarom, Ta Sanh commune police chief, said.

This is the second anti-tank explosion in Battambang province within a week, the first killing six people the Sunday before.

Ratana attributes the spike in anti-tank casualties to the recent heavy rain in the area.

To contact the reporters on this story: Kim Sarom at [email protected] and Rachel Will at [email protected]