Dozens of garment workers injured in traffic accident
More than 40 garment workers in Svay Rieng province’s Svay Rieng city were injured in a traffic accident yesterday, the second road accident involving garment workers in the province this week.
The Labour Ministry yesterday said a minibus carrying workers hit a truck transporting chickens at 6.35am in Svay Rieng city’s Svay Rieng commune, injuring 43 workers.
“The accident occurred because the driver of the truck that was carrying chickens dangerously overtook another vehicle, hitting the minibus that was coming in the opposite direction until it overturned,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said that 15 workers were seriously injured and 28 others suffered minor injuries.
“All the victims received immediate help and were sent to hospital by local authorities and officials of the provincial National Social Security Fund,” it said. “Thirty-nine workers are receiving treatment in the provincial hospital and five workers who were seriously injured were sent to Calmette hospital in Phnom Penh.”
The ministry further noted that it would continue to help the workers and their families through social security funds.
Major General Koeng Khorn, Svay Rieng provincial police chief, and provincial governor Men Vibol, along with other authorities went to the scene of the accident to help the victims.
Maj Gen Khorn yesterday said that the victims were rescued and received treatment in a timely manner.
“We will investigate the accident further,” Maj Gen Khorn said.
San Yuth, 24, driver of the truck carrying chickens, was arrested and sent to the police station for questioning.
Khun Tharo, a programme coordinator at the Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights, yesterday urged the government to consider reforming road regulations for the safety of garment workers and reduce traffic accidents.
“If we look at the current situation of workers’ transportation, I think it is time for the government to consider reforms to prevent traffic accidents,” Mr Tharo said. “We have seen that traffic accidents involving garment workers continue to increase since 2017.”
He noted that the majority of workers are afraid of the current transportation systems, but have no other choice for their daily commute.
On Tuesday, two garment workers died and another 31 were injured in a traffic accident in Svay Rieng province’s Svay Teab district while on their way to work.
Source: KHMERTIMES
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