A traffic collision between a car and a motorcycle in Daun Penh district on Wednesday evening sparked confusion and led to a crowd attacking the vehicle, according to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police.
The incident occurred at 7:40 pm on April 16 along Street 90 in Sangkat Srah Chak, near the popular Wat Phnom Sangkran festivities, where large crowds had gathered to celebrate Khmer New Year.
Police said the accident involved a black Avatar 07 model, year 2025, and a Honda Dream C125 motorcycle. Following the collision, officers from Daun Penh district police intervened and brought both the car and its driver to the Srah Chak administrative police post for questioning.
The driver reported that he was travelling east to west along Street 90 at its intersection with Sisowath Boulevard when traffic congestion caused a slowdown. He claimed that a motorcycle had hit his car from behind. After getting out to check the damage and speak with the motorcyclist, he said he received no response from the motorcyclist.
Frustrated, the driver reportedly pushed the motorcycle over, then returned to his car and drove away. The motorcyclist then shouted and ran after the vehicle, prompting bystanders to misinterpret the situation as a hit-and-run incident.
As a result, a group of people began chasing the car and threw stones at it, causing damage to both the front and rear sections of the vehicle.
Authorities said they quickly intervened after receiving reports of the disturbance, escorting the car and driver away from the scene to prevent further violence.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to locate and question the motorcyclist and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
