Bus plunges into river, 16 dead, several injured
Babushahi Bureau
Nomh Penh, November 21, 2025 — A tragic accident in Cambodia’s central province of Kampong Thom claimed at least 16 lives on Thursday morning when a passenger bus fell off a bridge into a river. Several others were injured in the incident, which authorities believe was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
Police official Siv Sovanna confirmed that the bus was travelling from Siem Reap — home to the iconic Angkor Wat — to the capital city, Phnom Penh. The vehicle was carrying around 40 passengers, all of whom are reported to be Cambodian nationals.
Rescue teams launched immediate operations following the accident. The death toll rose from 13 to 16 by Thursday night as divers and emergency responders continued their search. The injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, road accidents remain a major concern in Cambodia. In 2024, 1,509 people lost their lives in road-related incidents, while the first nine months of 2025 have already recorded 1,062 fatalities.