It turned out to be a tragedy.

People finding for their family members' photos.


The aftermath, seen the next morning.



At least 345 deaths were reported which happened in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Pneh, during a significant event of the year called, Water Festival. Hundreds more were injured. They were attending a concert on Diamond Island bridge. It was estimated that the bridge would welcome more than 2 million attendance for the three-day festival. The bridge has only the width that consists of 2 lanes of road which was closed to allow people to attend the Water Festival celebration. Panic broke out after a concert on Diamond Island, which followed a boat race on the Tonle Sap river regarded as a highlight of the festivities.Witnesses said that there were too many people on the bridge, the two ends were pushing as well. The sudden panic and pushing caused the people in the middle to fall to the ground and get crushed.
"Panic started and at least 50 people jumped in the river. People tried to climb on to the bridge, grabbing and pulling [electric] cables which came loose and electrical shock caused more deaths." said an eyewitness.

Personal comments:
In my opinion, i believe that what is really needed from the victims from Cambodia, no matter is it the deceased, the injured ones, or the remained ones, they all need strong support now. It can be of any form of help, financial, food/drinks, and especially healthcare. More than 700 of the injured ones are taken to Calmette hospital. There are so many people who need medical help that some patients have no choice but to lay on the floor because there is inadequate available beds. Many who were brought there were dead as well. They are in need of space, overcrowding might cause easy outbreak of diseases as well. There should be, if possible, a conducive and spacious environment for the injured ones to recuperate and/or receive treatments. This would be possible if more hospitals can be used to accomodate the victims and help can be received to move them. There could have been more policemen to be in control of the situation and event, and limit the amount of people being on the bridge at any one time.
Also, help shouldnt be only rendered for this critical period of time. The people should continue to receive support for a longer period of time. It can be either counselling, or medicines for the injured ones, etc. This is a huge hit to many people of Cambodia, not just a physical hit to many, but an emotional one for most of them.

-Chua Rui Yi, 24 November 2010