Cambodia Night Bus Plunges Off Bridge Killing 16 Passengers

Published: 21 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A tragic bus accident in central Cambodia has claimed the lives of at least 16 people and left more than two dozen others injured after a night bus plunged off a bridge into a river, authorities and local reports confirmed. The incident has cast a spotlight on road safety concerns in the country, particularly on long-distance night routes that are frequently used by commuters and tourists alike.

The bus, carrying 37 passengers, was en route from Oddar Meanchey province in northern Cambodia to the capital, Phnom Penh. According to Camboja News, the vehicle had made a stop in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s top tourist destination and home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, approximately six hours from Phnom Penh. The crash occurred just after 3am local time (20:00 GMT) on Thursday in Kampong Thom province.

Local police reported that the bus was manned by two drivers who were alternating shifts on the overnight journey. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver operating the vehicle at the time of the crash may have been asleep, though authorities have not confirmed whether the driver is among the deceased. “We are still determining the exact circumstances, but fatigue may have been a factor,” a police spokesperson said.

Photos shared by Interior Minister Sar Sokha on Facebook show the bus partially submerged in water while being lifted by a crane, highlighting the severity of the accident. Rescue teams worked through the early hours to recover passengers, and the death toll rose from 13 to 16 after officials completed their search of the river. Those injured were taken to a provincial hospital in Kampong Thom for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred to their families via ambulances.

The bus was carrying only Cambodian nationals, officials confirmed. Authorities are conducting detailed interviews with survivors to understand the sequence of events leading to the crash. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the bus veered off the bridge unexpectedly, plunging into the river below. Many of the injured suffered broken bones and lacerations from the impact, while some experienced minor injuries while escaping the partially submerged vehicle.

The accident has reignited discussions on road safety in Cambodia. The National Road Safety Committee recently reported nearly 700 road fatalities in the first half of 2025, a decrease from the nearly 800 recorded during the same period last year. Despite this slight improvement, long-distance bus travel at night remains a significant risk due to driver fatigue, road conditions, and lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations.

Cambodia’s bus network is vital for both residents and tourists, connecting remote provinces with major cities. Overnight buses are particularly popular because they allow passengers to travel while sleeping, avoiding daytime traffic and reducing overall travel time. However, incidents like this highlight the vulnerabilities of long-haul night travel, especially on roads with bridges, narrow lanes, and limited lighting.

In addition to human tragedy, the accident underscores broader infrastructure challenges in Cambodia. Many rural and provincial roads, while essential for connectivity, are prone to accidents due to poor maintenance, lack of signage, and inadequate safety measures on bridges and riverside routes. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need for better regulation, driver training, and vehicle inspections to prevent similar disasters.

The Cambodian government has pledged to investigate the crash thoroughly. Officials are reviewing driver schedules, bus maintenance records, and traffic safety protocols to determine if negligence or preventable errors contributed to the disaster. Survivors and witnesses are being interviewed as part of a broader effort to piece together the exact timeline of events.

Public reaction has been swift, with citizens expressing shock and grief on social media. Many highlighted the need for stricter oversight of long-distance bus services, particularly those operating overnight. “This is a tragedy that could have been prevented,” wrote one social media user. “Authorities must ensure that drivers are properly rested and that buses are maintained to the highest standards.”

For the families of those affected, the accident has been devastating. Emergency services have worked to provide immediate support, including medical care, transportation of the injured, and assistance with funeral arrangements. Local officials are coordinating with hospitals and community organizations to ensure that survivors receive psychological and medical support during this difficult time.

Experts in transportation safety note that fatigue is a leading cause of night-time bus accidents worldwide. Long stretches of monotonous driving, coupled with inadequate rest, can significantly impair reaction times and decision-making. In Cambodia, where regulations on working hours and driver rest periods are not always strictly enforced, these risks are particularly pronounced.

This incident also highlights the importance of public awareness. Passengers are encouraged to inquire about driver schedules, bus conditions, and company safety records before boarding long-distance night services. Road safety campaigns in Cambodia have aimed to educate both drivers and passengers, but tragedies like this indicate more comprehensive enforcement and oversight may be required.

As investigations continue, the authorities are expected to release a full report detailing the causes of the crash. Meanwhile, the accident serves as a sobering reminder of the hazards associated with long-distance travel in developing countries, where infrastructure and regulatory oversight are still catching up with rising demand for transport services.

While the nation mourns the loss of life, this tragedy may prompt stronger enforcement of safety protocols, better driver training, and improvements in road infrastructure to prevent future incidents. For now, Cambodia grapples with grief, reflection, and a renewed focus on the critical need for road safety measures to protect its citizens and visitors alike.