Five underage girls died in Cambodia when the vehicle taking them to school left the road and plunged into a deep pond.
The accident happened on Tuesday morning, November 10, in Kandal province, about 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, the country’s capital.
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There were 26 students aged 12 to 14 on board, traveling to BELTEI International School. According to preliminary information, a motorcycle suddenly appeared in front of the speeding vehicle. The driver braked hard and tried to avoid a collision, but lost control and left the road, ending up in the pond beside it.
The vehicle was partially submerged, making it difficult for the students to get out, even though the pond was only a few meters from the bank.
Local residents rushed to rescue the girls trapped in the vehicle. Several students were pulled from the water and immediately given cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but five did not survive. Police said the girls died by drowning. Of the 26 students, three others were left in critical condition and 18 suffered minor injuries.
The 31-year-old driver has been detained by authorities for questioning. The preliminary investigation is examining whether speeding and the maneuver to avoid the motorcycle led to the loss of control. The head of BELTEI School expressed shock and sorrow over the deaths of the five students. The investigation to determine responsibility is ongoing.
