8 students killed, 3 missing as boat sinks in southeast Cambodia

ANKARA (AA) – At least eight young students were killed and three others are still missing after a motorboat sank in southeast Cambodia, local media said Friday.

Students were traveling on a boat when it capsized near Kampong Dor Toteung late Thursday evening, Khmer Times reported.

So far, eight bodies of students have been recovered, three are still missing, while three students and the boat operator have been rescued alive.

Kandal Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Chhoeun Socheth said 14 students aged 12 to 14 were returning to their homes on an islet in Koh Chamroeun village when their boat capsized.

He blamed the tragedy on excessive speed, overloading, and careless driving.

Socheth said the search for the missing students is still ongoing.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid