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Four people were tragically crushed to death in Phnom Penh on Thursday during a cash giveaway organized by prominent businessman Sok Kong ahead of the Lunar New Year. The incident occurred as hundreds gathered outside his home to receive traditional red envelopes filled with cash, along with rice and other gifts, according to Phnom Penh police spokesman Sam Vichheka.
The event turned chaotic as the crowd surged toward the gates of Sok Kong’s mansion, with no organized queue in place. The stampede left four dead and five injured, police reported.
Sok Kong, one of Cambodia’s wealthiest tycoons and a close ally of Senate President Hun Sen, is known for his philanthropic gestures during the Lunar New Year. This year, his red envelopes reportedly contained 40,000 riel (approximately $10), as shared by attendees on social media.
Following the tragedy, Sok Kong expressed his condolences and pledged to support the victims' families. He announced he would provide coffins and $6,000 to the families of the deceased and give $1,000 to each of the five injured individuals.
Police confirmed there would be no criminal investigation into the incident, stating they did not hold Sok Kong responsible for the deaths. Sam Vichheka noted that the fatalities were largely due to the victims’ pre-existing health conditions.
“Sok Kong is a kind-hearted individual who organizes such events out of goodwill,” Vichheka said. “This tragedy is linked to health issues, not any malicious intent.”
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