The body of the man was discovered on the tracks near Battambang’s O’Sralau village on January 7. National Police
A 28-year-old man Battambang man with a life-long neurological condition was fatally struck by a train on January 7, in Sangke district, after disappearing from his home for two days and then falling asleep on the railway tracks.
Sangke District Police Chief Yuth Tonghour told The Post on January 8 that the tragic accident occurred around 7am near O’Dambang commune’s O’Sralau village.
The victim, identified as Phlong Savoeun, died at the scene. His left leg was amputated in the accident.
“We can conclude that he was lying on the railway tracks due to the condition of his body, which was found on the tracks. He appeared to have lain in the space between the rails with one leg resting directly on the track,” he said, adding that the family did not blame the train driver for the fatal accident.
The victim, who had suffered from a neurological condition since birth, had a history of wandering away from home for months. His family had resorted to restraining him with chains.
Phlong Hab, the victim’s 58-year-old father, recounted that on the morning of January 5, around 9.30am, he went out to cut grass for the family’s cattle, leaving his son at home with his leg chained up for safety. Upon returning home that evening, he discovered his son was missing and searched for him throughout the night. He was unsuccessful in his efforts to locate him.
It was only on January 7, that the family was informed of the tragedy. The victim had been struck and killed by a train at the Veal Sre Lou 6 area.
Authorities from the Sangke District Police Station inspected the scene and confirmed that the victim had died from the collision. His body was then handed over to the family.
This marks the first railway-related fatality in Cambodia of the year. The Post understands that 2024 saw two fatalities, although several other serious incidents were reported, including a passenger train which derailed, injuring five, in Pursat province, and a collision between a tour bus and a train which injured 45, also in Pursat.
According to the National Police, five traffic accidents were recorded across the Kingdom on January 7, resulting in four fatalities and seven injuries.
In the first week of the year, authorities stopped 2,066 vehicles for traffic violations, including 14 large commercial trucks, 808 personal vehicles and 1,244 motorcycles. The drivers of 1,559 vehicles – 12 large vehicles, 576 small vehicles and 971 motorcycles – were fined.
