A private vehicle hired to transport students from Beltei School lost control, veered off the road, and overturned into a pond in Kandal Province, Cambodia, resulting in the deaths of five students and injuries to two others. The accident occurred on the morning of November 10, with a total of 26 students on board.
According to the *Khmer Times*, the incident took place on National Road 8, in the area of Prek Ta Meak Commune, Khsach Kandal District, Kandal Province. The vehicle involved was a private car hired to transport Beltei School students.
Ly Bunchay, Deputy Director of Beltei School, stated that there were 26 students in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle was not part of a fleet managed or operated by the school, but rather one hired independently by parents to transport their children.
Driver swerves to avoid a motorbike; car plunges into a pond
Preliminary reports indicate that while driving, the motorist suddenly swerved to avoid a motorbike. The maneuver caused the car to go out of control, veer off the road, and overturn into a pond.
Immediately following the accident, local residents and authorities arrived on the scene to carry out rescue operations and work to pull the students from the submerged vehicle.
Rescue efforts resulted in the recovery of 21 students; however, five children did not survive, having drowned. Among the survivors, two sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital for emergency care and treatment.
The driver has been taken into custody for investigation.
Following the accident, police detained the driver to facilitate an investigation, determine the cause, and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The bodies of the five deceased students were subsequently released to their families for funeral arrangements, to be conducted in accordance with traditional customs.
The tragedy has caused deep sorrow within the local community and has raised concerns regarding the safety of student transportation services arranged independently by parents.
