Phnom Penh (Friday, 26 November 2010) – Two hundred and ninety stampede victims who are under treatments at three main public hospitals in Phnom Penh got donations from LWF Cambodia today.
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The move came immediately after an appeal of the government for donations a day after the tragedy on the third night of the 3-day Water Festival.
On behalf of the management and staff of LWF Cambodia, Program Manager Mr. Chan Vibol expressed deep grief and emotion over the loss of many lives in the stampede last Monday night, and extended heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members.
“As a compatriot and we work for a humanitarian organization, we try to help those injured in the incident as much as we can,” said Vibol who led the donation team to Preah Koassamk hospital. “This small donation comes from our faithful heart and we hope it will help relieve some of their sufferings,” he added.
Each victim got a package of 10 bottles of drinking water, 5 cans of canned fish, and 10 packs of instant noodles.
The donation totaled US$1,277.25, of which $500 came from LWF Cambodia Fund, $720 voluntarily donated LWF Cambodia staff, and $57.25 was contributed by the local communities in LWF target areas.
Garment Worker Mom Len, 19, one of the victims being treated at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, told LWF Team that her team consisted of 10 people—her colleagues, relatives from Takeo province and herself. She said she was in the middle of the bridge, felt suffocated and fell down. Suddenly, three other people fell over her. Luckily, my brother-in-law pulled me out from the crush, she said. One of her relatives was trampled to death, while four other people in the team were seriously injured. Now, she still feels painful all over her body and finds it difficult to breath.
Bien Nita, 18, another victim at the same hospital, told the Team a similar story. She was rescued by the police and Island-based security guards.
The stampede killed 347 people and injured 395 overcrowded the bridge connecting Phnom Penh to Diamond Island. Many were suffocated and trampled to death on the bridge, while others were drowned as they tried to jump down from the bridge.
For more information, please contact:
LEAK Ratna (Mr.)
Communications Coordinator, LWD
E-mail: ratna@lwd.org.kh
Tel: 012 819 121