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At least four lives were lost in a tragic stampede at the home of Cambodian tycoon Sok Kong in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during a crowd gathering for Chinese New Year gift distribution. The heartbreaking incident occurred as hundreds of people jostled to receive red envelopes, traditionally gifted during the festive season.
Crowds Rush for Festive Red Envelopes
Sok Kong, a prominent businessman and ally of former leader Hun Sen, had announced the distribution of red Chinese New Year envelopes. The promise of monetary gifts drew a massive crowd to his grand mansion. Chaos ensued as people pushed toward the large gates of the tycoon’s residence, resulting in several falling under the pressure.
Phnom Penh police spokesman Sam Vicheka reported that four victims, comprising two men and two women, succumbed to injuries sustained during the stampede. “Some elderly people with underlying health conditions fell while resisting the envelopes,” he said. In addition to the fatalities, five others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Generous Intentions End in Tragedy
It remains unclear how much money was placed in each envelope. Red envelopes, or angpao, are often given by affluent families during Chinese New Year as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity. Sok Kong, known for his petrol business and hospitality empire, is one of Cambodia’s wealthiest individuals.
Support for the Victims
In response to the tragedy, Sok Kong and the governor of Phnom Penh announced financial aid for the victims. Each bereaved family is set to receive 15 million riel (approximately RM17,000), while the injured individuals will be provided with around RM4,800 each.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of crowd safety during public events.