Stampede in Koh Pich: At least 100 dead, several hundreds injured

22 Nov. 2010
By Sopisith
Cambodia Express News
Translated from Khmer by Soy

Phnom Penh – The stampede near the exit from Koh Pich area created at least 100 dead and several hundreds injured. This is the count made in the evening of 22 Nov. The event took place at 09:50PM near the north bridge exiting from Koh Pich.

No source could indicate the reason for this stampede, however a reliable source indicated that revelers came out in drove from Koh Pich, creating a major jam, then some people could not breathe and this started the stampede. Some decided to jump off the bridge to allow themselves to breathe easier.

Another source indicated that the jam initiated an electrical short circuit, then some people got electrocuted and the stampede took place.

At Calmette Hospital, several dozens injured people were brought in, and at least 17 were dead as of 11PM on 22 Nov. This is only the reported number from Calmette Hospital alone. At the location of the incident at least 80 were dead. Altogether, based on preliminary tally, about 100 died from this accident.

Immediately after the accident, the authority had a hard time intervening due to the large number of people in the crowd.

The authority decided to use boats to ferry people out and take them to the shore in front of the Royal Palace in order to ease the jam and help the victims. At Koh Pich, which is located in Tonle Bassac commune, Chamcar Mon district, entertainment program was set up there during the Water Festival.