Battambang Train Derailment: Fuel Spill Prompts Official Warnings

A cargo train derailed in Ochar village, Battambang city, Battambang province, in western Cambodia, on the afternoon of September 19th, causing a spill of diesel and gasoline. The incident also resulted in damage to a section of the railway. The accident occurred with train number 6697, which was en route from Sihanoukville port to the Bin Prien station in Battambang province. The train was carrying 13 carriages of diesel and 13 carriages of gasoline. As a result of the derailment, three diesel carriages (numbers 9, 12, and 13) and one gasoline carriage (number 14) overturned, leading to the fuel spill. Phon Rim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, stated, "No casualties have been confirmed from the accident." However, the ministry has issued a strong warning to the public, advising them not to approach or attempt to collect the spilled fuel due to the risk of secondary incidents such as fires. Following the accident, Battambang city authorities, police, and multiple fire trucks were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. Lyeng Vasna, the governor of Battambang city and head of the city's administrative command, instructed residents living near the incident site to temporarily refrain from using open flames, gas stoves, and electricity. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of ignition and fire. Currently, the Railway Department of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Royal Railway Cambodia are collaborating to investigate the cause of the accident and carry out recovery operations. The extent of the impact on rail transport due to this incident remains unclear at this time. Source: CEN Cambodia