The crater left behind after an anti-tank mine was detonated by a tractor in Battambang province’s Plouv Meas commune. A 23-year-old was killed by the explosion. CMAA
A 23-year-old man was killed instantly by an anti-tank mine after driving a tractor over it on Thursday afternoon, bringing the number of casualties from explosive remnants of war (ERWs) to 38 so far this year.
The explosion occurred in a rice field near Battambang province’s Chi Pang village, in Plouv Meas commune of Rattanak Mondul district, according to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).
“An anti-tank mine caused a man named Vat Savun to die on the spot while he was driving a tractor to plow a rice field,” said the CMAA, via social media.
The victim lived in Treng commune’s Phcheav village, in the same district where the incident occurred.
Lang Kosal, CMAA spokesman, said that before this latest accident, 2024 had seen 37 people fall victim to ERWs in the Kingdom. This represented an increase of 61 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, when 23 victims were recorded.
In the 38 cases this year, 10 people were killed and seven suffered amputations, while an additional 21 were injured, many of them seriously.
The CMAA and the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) called on residents to be cautious and not touch mines or munitions, should they discover them. In addition, they are advised not to enter any unknown area, and should ask the local authorities before exploring new land.
“Do not touch any landmines or unexploded ordnance. You should immediately report them to the relevant authorities or demining operators, so they can remove the mines,” the CMAA stated.
CMAC also addressed the ongoing issue, noting that: “The war has been over for more than 25 years, but Cambodian blood is still flowing due to landmines and munitions”.
The centre also warned that in the rainy season, some areas are threatened by floods.
The public should be cautious, especially people living in areas where mines are suspected to be present, because floodwaters can cause mines and munitions that have been buried for many years to emerge from the ground.
“Please do not touch any mines. Please mark their location to warn others and report them to the nearest CMAC unit if you discover any mines that have been disturbed by the waters," added CMAC.
