Two mine clearance personnel tragically lost their lives in an explosion on the morning of January 16. 

The incident occurred at minefield BS/CMAA/37102, located in Oddar Meanchey province’s Trapeang Prey Village, in Trapeang Prasat district’s Bak Anloung commune.

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) confirmed the identities of the victims: Pov Nephin (ID: 936486) and Oeun Chandara (ID: 936493), both members of the First Mine Clearance Unit. 

The explosion occurred at 7.45am, during a routine clearance operation, as they were digging up and deactivating mines.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch, CMAA first vice-president, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, who sacrificed their lives while carrying out the critical mission of clearing landmines.

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Oeun Chandara and Pov Nephin, mine clearance officers from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, who perished in a landmine explosion while on duty in Oddar Meanchey province,” he said.

On behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Ly Thuch added: “The loss of these men is the loss of brave mine clearance heroes who selflessly dedicate their lives for to safety and security of the local population.”

Lang Kosal, an official with the CMAA, told The Post that the two men were clearing a minefield when the explosion took place. 

The mine field was identified and mapped by the Halo Trust, with CMAC responsible for clearing it. 

According to Kosal, the field was laid by Khmer Rouge soldiers between 1982 and 1989. About 250 metres to the east, a truck was destroyed by a mine in 1985, killing two people. During rainy season, the minefield is 70 per cent flooded.

The minefield borders a well-used path and land which is being cultivated by local residents. They have asked the CMAA to inspect their lands to ensure it is safe.