At least eight children were killed and three others were missing in Cambodia when the boat sank while ferrying them home from an English class in the Mekong River, Cambodian officials said.

The victims were aged between 12 and 15, they noted, adding that two adult boat operators and two students were rescued.

Prime Minister Hun Sen offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their children and grandchildren in the sinking of a ferry carrying students from school to home in Kampong Phnom commune, Leuk Dek district of Kandal province on the night of the 13th. October 2022,” Hun Sen said in a statement on Facebook.

He also urged people, especially those living along the river, to be cautious during heavy floods that have raised the level of the Mekong. (ILKHA)