A tragic incident occurred at Cambodia's renowned Angkor temple complex, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The unfortunate event took place during a severe rainstorm when a large tree fell onto a vehicle at the southern gate to Angkor Thom, near the iconic Angkor Wat temple in the province of Siem Reap.
Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Cambodia's most popular tourist destination, attracting over half a million international visitors in the first half of this year alone. The fallen tree struck a tuk-tuk, instantly killing the driver and leaving three passengers injured, one critically.
In addition to the human toll, several statues at the Tonle Oum Gate were also damaged by the fallen tree. The Apsara National Authority, responsible for overseeing the archaeological park, promptly removed the tree to ensure visitor access to the temple entrance.
The Angkor site, spanning 155 square miles, holds the ruins of ancient Cambodian empires from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Regarded as a significant archaeological site in Southeast Asia, Angkor's historical and cultural importance draws tourists and scholars from around the world.