Five schoolgirls die as student shuttle plunges into pond in Cambodia after swerving to avoid motorcycle

A serious traffic accident occurred in Cambodia's Kandal province on the morning of November 10. A vehicle carrying 26 BELTEI International School students went out of control and plunged into a roadside pond, killing five schoolgirls. Three students were injured and taken to hospital, while the other 18 were rescued safely. According to preliminary information, the vehicle was taking the students to school when it suddenly went out of control while swerving to avoid a motorcycle, then left the road and plunged into the pond. Local residents and rescuers quickly arrived and worked to bring the students out of the vehicle. Initial reports described the vehicle as a BELTEI International School bus. However, the latest information indicates it was a privately hired student shuttle and was not owned by the school. In the early stages of the accident, reports circulated that some students were missing and had not yet been rescued. As the rescue operation progressed, the latest reports indicated that 21 of the 26 students had been rescued, including three who were injured, while the remaining 18 were safe. The precise cause of the accident and responsibility for it remain subject to further investigation by the relevant authorities. The loss of five young lives has again drawn attention to the safety of student transport vehicles and road traffic safety.