The owner of a heavy truck which led to the collapse of a steel Bailey bridge in Kratie province will be held responsible for the damage, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The 39-metre long bridge, in Sen Aphivath village, of Snuol district’s Krang Nhong Senchey commune, was almost completely destroyed in the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Ministry spokesperson Phan Rim noted that the Kratie provincial Department of Public Works and Transport is currently working with relevant local authorities, under the coordination of provincial governor Var Thorn, to address the issue.
“We are handling this matter carefully. As for specific measures, we are still monitoring the situation because the case remains under procedural review,” he said.
On Thursday, October 30, Saing Bunthen, director of the transport department, suspended all traffic on provincial road 3KRT24 in Sen Aphivath village, after the O Chhloung bridge collapsed when a heavy truck transporting cassava attempted to cross.
The department advised the public to use a detour via Road 107, located in Village 104, Krang Nhong Senchey commune, until repairs to the bridge are completed.
Chhim Linaravuth, head of the transport department’s administrative office, explained that the bridge was intended for normal community traffic, not for heavy trucks of that size. However, he said it remained unclear precisely how much weight the truck was carrying.
“The truck owner was responsible for the collapse. The bridge was designed to handle regular village traffic, but the truck was overloaded. Fortunately, it hasn’t caused traffic congestion because there are several alternative routes in the area,” he added.
