Families of victims would receive 5 million riels ($US1, 230) in compensation: Hun Xen

A soldier carries discarded sandals after a stampede that killed hundreds on the northen Koh Pich bridge late last night during the water festival. (Photo by: Rick Valenzuela)

Phnom Penh struggles to cope with tragic stampede

Tuesday, 23 November 2010
The Phnom Penh Post STAFF

Cambodian officials today were struggling to cope with the aftermath of last night’s tragic stampede on Koh Pich bridge in Phnom Penh that left more than 300 people dead and several hundreds more injured.

Prime Minister Hun Sen announced early this morning via video conference that 339 were confirmed dead.

Nhim Vanda, deputy director of the Department of Disaster Management put the figure today at 349, while unconfirmed reports from police officials said 375 had been killed.

The Prime Minister also pledged that the families of victims would receive 5 million riels ($US1, 230) in compensation.

City hospitals have begun posting photographs to help identify the dead, while government trucks have been tasked with returning identified victims to their home provinces.

A press conference has been scheduled for later this afternoon, during which officials are expected to announce details of their investigation into the cause of the stampede and ongoing efforts to care for survivors and the families of those who lost relatives in the stampede.