Prosecutors at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court have charged the driver of a pickup truck which was involved in a high profile traffic accident that left four motorcyclists dead.

Neang Sam Oun, a 56-year-old, has been charged with reckless driving and disobeying traffic laws causing injuries and deaths, according to a January 23 statement from the court.

The charges relate to an accident which occurred at around 6.30pm on January 20, at Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo Flyover, in Russey Keo district.

The suspect was reported to have been travelling at high speed when he hit a group of stationary cars and motorbikes. Four motorcyclists, three of them women, were killed instantly, while four additional people were injured. 

Police apprehended Sam Oun at the scene, and reported that testing revealed that his blood alcohol level was 0.54 mg/l, far above the legal limit.

“After investigating and examining the evidence in the case, municipal court prosecutors have charged the suspect, Neang Sam Oun, on charges of driving recklessly, negligently or disobediently of the obligations to road traffic regulations, causing death,” added the statement.

The case drew wide-spread public attention, including from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who discussed the issue of traffic accidents on January 23.

He instructed National Police chief Sar Thet, and all other relevant authorities, to conduct alcohol tests on the drivers off all types of vehicles, in order to avoid further accidents.

Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, believed that the problem of traffic accidents remains a serious concern for the Kingdom. 

He recommended that all regulations be strictly enforced, regardless of the individual, with a particular focus on those who drive under the influence.

“Legal action must be taken against those who cause accidents, especially ones which result in deaths or injuries, in order to set an example. People must learn that if they are negligent or drive drunk, they will face charges. In this way, everyone will respect the law,” he said.

According to the Road Traffic Law, Sam Oun faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 15 million riel ($3,750). 

Additional charges are likely.