Crowd crush in Cambodia's Lunar New Year charity event claims four lives

Four killed in crowd crush during Lunar New Year charity giveaway in Cambodia.

Listen to article

A tragic crowd crush in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, led to the deaths of four people and injuries to five others during a Lunar New Year charity giveaway.

The incident occurred when Sok Kong, one of Cambodia's wealthiest businessmen, opened the gates to his compound to distribute envelopes containing $10 and two kilos of rice.

As the crowd of hundreds surged forward, several victims were crushed and fainted, falling to the ground.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, two women and two men, aged 37 to 71, could not be saved.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Peninsula Qatar (@peninsula_qatar)

It remains unclear whether they died in the initial crush or from injuries sustained afterward.

In the aftermath, authorities suspended the remainder of the giveaway and cleared the area.

Sok Kong, who has investments in the hotel, casino, and oil sectors, is known for his annual charity event, where he and other wealthy residents of Phnom Penh distribute gifts to the poor during the Chinese New Year.

Sok Kong is also closely associated with former Prime Minister Hun Sen. The event will resume on Wednesday, January 29.