86 Cambodian factory workers hurt in truck accident

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—At least 86 workers have been injured in a truck crash on their way to work at factories making garments and sports shoes for famous western brands.

The truck carrying 93 workers rolled over after a front tire burst Tuesday morning. Transporting workers in open trucks is common in Southeast Asia.

Svay Rieng provincial Governor Chieng Am says 11 workers are in critical condition.

Labour activist Chea Odom of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers said the workers were employed at eight different factories in two specially designated industrial zones.

He said the factories make sports shoes and apparel for well-known western companies.

The garment industry is Cambodia’s biggest export earner, in 2013 shipping more than $5 billion worth of products to the United States and Europe.