Police in Kampong Thom province’s Baray district are continuing their investigation into a traffic accident where a large truck transporting timber collided with two crossovers, causing injuries to four people.
Touch Dara, district deputy police chief in charge of traffic, told The Post that after the incident the truck driver fled on foot, leaving the overturned truck and timber spilt across National Road 6. The accident took place at the Kilometre 126 road marker, close to Balaing commune’s Trapeang Svay village.
“Representatives of the two crossovers claimed that the truck was responsible for the accident. However, we have not yet drawn a conclusion or placed the burden of guilt on any party. We are waiting for the truck driver to come forward and present his version of events,” said Dara.
He added that the police have taken all three vehicles to the district police station where they will be kept until all parties can meet for mediation.
Meas Monilen, a passenger in the Lexus crossover, told The Post that she and her husband Neng Marina suffered minor injuries, but their car was badly damaged after the truck collided with it, causing the front left wheel to break.
“I have already informed the police about what happened. The truck first hit our car and then another, before overturning,” she said.
Ung Xikorng, a 57-year-old Chinese passenger in the other crossover, told The Post that he was only slightly injured, but his wife Fumi Linh, 55, had sustained serious injuries. They were currently being treated at the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital.
“My wife, the driver, suffered broken ribs and a fractured hip. I suffered only minor injuries to my hand. The truck was travelling very quickly and collided with a car in front of us, and then hit our car and rolled over,” he said, adding that his insurance company was investigating the accident.
Dara said the truck was travelling from Preah Vihear province. The timber was taken away by Kampong Thmor Forestry Administration officials who were waiting for the owner to come forward.
The Post repeatedly tried to contact Mom Sophal, head of the Kampong Thmor Forestry Administration, and Bun Sothy, director of the Kampong Thom Provincial Forestry Administration, to clarify the amount of timber involved and ascertain whether a permit had been issued to transport it, but received no reply as of press time.
Pen Vanrith, director of the Kampong Thom provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, told The Post that the timber was “licensed” by the Preah Vihear Forestry Administration.
