Nearly 30 people died and more than 50 others were injured in 34 traffic accidents during the three-day Pchum Ben public holiday from September 24-26, according to a National Police report.

The number of accidents was one lower than last year’s holiday; however, fatalities almost doubled at 27, compared to 14 over the same period, while the number of injuries fell by seven.

The report offered a breakdown, with eight accidents killing eight people and injuring 14 on September 24. The following day saw 13 accidents, with 11 lives lost and 19 serious injuries recorded. The final day noted 13 accidents, with eight deaths and 24 injuries.

National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun told The Post on September 27 that the fatalities which occurred were individual tragedies, but the rates were no higher than they were pre-pandemic, despite heavy congestion as the majority of the public observed the holiday by travelling to at least one pagoda. Police had facilitated the best possible traffic flow to relief the stress of the travelling public.

“The people have responded to the work of our officers by respecting the traffic laws. If it wasn’t for their patience, congestion – and the accident statistics – could have been much worse. It is safe to say that the public displayed empathy and understanding for one another on the roads this weekend. Our officers were also pleased to note that the majority of motorbike drivers wore helmets,” he said.