5 dead, 65 injured in Cambodian garment worker truck crash

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Officials say two trucks transporting Cambodian garment workers to their factory have crashed, killing five of the workers and injuring 65 others.

An official in Kampong Speu province said the accident occurred early Tuesday as one truck sped up to overtake the other but collided with it, causing the vehicles to spiral out of control.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Labor said the ministry would cover funeral expenses of the five dead and treatment of the 65 injured.

Cambodia’s clothing and footwear industry is the country’s biggest export earner, employing about 700,000 people in more than 700 garment and shoe factories.

Road accidents are a leading cause of death in Cambodia. According to report from Transport Ministry, more 2,000 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2014.

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