On Friday, a tragic accident occurred in northwestern Cambodia when a train collided with a bus at a rail crossing in the Krakor district. Despite the train sounding its horn to warn oncoming traffic, the bus attempted to cross the tracks, resulting in the collision. The impact was severe, with the train hitting the middle of the bus and pushing it several meters. The bus driver fled the scene, leaving behind 45 injured passengers, five of whom were critically wounded.
The police chief for Pursat province, Gen. Sar Theng, stated that the incident occurred around 11 a.m. He mentioned that there used to be a barrier at the rail crossing, which had broken and not yet been replaced. Additionally, there was a sign warning drivers about the upcoming railroad crossing and advising them to proceed with caution. Unfortunately, it is common in Cambodia for rail crossings to lack safety barriers, increasing the risk of accidents like this one. All the bus passengers were Cambodians who had hired the vehicle for a visit to a mountain nature resort.
Sar Theng emphasized that the accident could have been avoided if the bus driver had been more responsible. When trains approach populated areas and road junctions, their engineers sound the horn to alert people to stay away from the tracks. In this case, the driver ignored the horn, leading to the tragic collision. He held the driver accountable for the incident, as it was due to his negligence and failure to adhere to safety precautions. The injured passengers were assisted by police and local villagers and taken to hospitals for medical treatment.
Reports from Cambodia’s national police and Ministry of Public Works and Transportation revealed that nearly 1,600 people lost their lives in road accidents the previous year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in the country. Accidents like the train and bus collision serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of prioritizing passenger safety on public transportation vehicles. Authorities must take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future and protect the lives of road users.
The Cambodian government should take immediate action to enhance safety measures at railroad crossings, such as repairing broken barriers and installing warning signals to alert drivers of approaching trains. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate the population about the risks of disregarding traffic rules and the importance of following safety guidelines. Additionally, stricter penalties should be imposed on drivers who violate traffic laws, including driving under the influence, speeding, and disregarding warning signals at railroad crossings. These measures are crucial to reducing the number of road accidents and preventing unnecessary loss of life on Cambodia’s roads.
In conclusion, the train and bus collision in northwestern Cambodia was a tragic event that left 45 people injured, five of them critically. The incident was caused by the bus driver’s negligence in ignoring the train’s warning horn and attempting to cross the tracks. It highlights the pressing need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in the country. The Cambodian government must take proactive steps to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future and protect the lives of road users. By prioritizing passenger safety and implementing effective safety measures, such accidents can be minimized, and lives can be saved.
