The very powerful explosion took place behind the Mechanics Department and affected most of the campus, breaking windows, roof tiles, and affecting the hearing of the people nearby, some dazed from the loud explosion. The school solar panels were not affected, as they are located on another building. In the beginning, people first thought it was lighting, common in Sihanoukville.
The Manager of Electricity in Sihanoukville said to Teacher Seyha of Don Bosco Kep that it seems that Mr. Sarat Seng was operating a gas device they used for welding. When the explosion took place, fortunately for others, the students were standing at a distance. Mr. Hans Kluecle, SES expert in construction – an expert in explosions – saw the photos and believed it seemed to be a bottle, like an extinguisher.
Three other people were directly wounded: another teacher and two students. They are at currently being treated at the hospital, in good recovery, but unfortunately one of the students has suffered the loss of a hand.
All students were summoned to the school hall and dismissed until new further notice.
Members of the Sihanoukville Police Department came to the school about one hour after the accident and they are now inquiring.
The worry now is to support the family of Mr. Sarath, as well as the wounded persons.
For further information, please visit the Facebook page or website of “Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia”.
