Cambodia Bus Crash Kills 16, Driver Fatigue Suspected

Tragic Night Bus Accident Claims 16 Lives in Cambodia

A devastating bus accident in central Cambodia has left 16 people dead and two dozen injured after a night bus plunged off a bridge into a river early Thursday morning. The tragedy occurred in Kampong Thom province while the bus was traveling from Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, to the capital Phnom Penh.

Details of the Fatal Crash

The bus was carrying approximately 40 Cambodian passengers when it veered off the bridge and fell into the water below. According to deputy police chief Siv Sovanna, 'The death toll rose from 13 to 16 after rescuers completed their search operations on Thursday night. All passengers were Cambodian nationals, and the bus had previously stopped in Siem Reap to pick up additional passengers.'

The accident happened around 3am local time during what is typically a five-and-a-half-hour journey between the two cities. Local authorities reported that preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have been drowsy at the time of the incident.

Cambodia's Road Safety Crisis

This tragedy highlights Cambodia's ongoing road safety challenges. According to recent statistics, road accidents claimed 1,062 lives during the first nine months of 2025 alone. The World Health Organization estimates Cambodia has a road traffic fatality rate of 18.8 per 100,000 population, exceeding both Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian averages.

Road safety expert Dr. Samnang Chea commented, 'This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved driver regulations and better enforcement of rest periods for long-distance bus drivers. Driver fatigue remains a significant contributor to road accidents in Cambodia.'

Government Response and Safety Measures

In response to growing concerns about road safety, Cambodia has been implementing various measures. The country recently began testing laser installations at high-risk locations on major expressways to combat driver fatigue during nighttime travel.

However, according to the Asian Transport Observatory, Cambodia's road infrastructure safety remains concerning, with no roads having 3-star or better ratings for pedestrians, and only 9% for bicyclists.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The economic burden of road accidents in Cambodia is substantial, costing the country approximately $466 million annually according to a joint report by the UNDP and National Road Safety Committee. A more comprehensive UNDP analysis suggests the total economic impact may reach up to 5% of GDP.

Transportation Minister Sun Chanthol stated, 'We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. Our government is committed to strengthening road safety regulations and improving transportation infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future.'

The investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, with authorities examining vehicle maintenance records and the driver's work schedule in the days leading up to the accident.