Authorities and Environment Ministry step up emergency response to contain oil spill and restore environment after train derailment in Battambang

Following the derailment of an oil tanker train on September 19, 2026, in Andoung Chheur village, Ou Chrouk commune, Battambang city, the Ministry of Environment, the Battambang provincial administration, and the relevant company have been working actively together to manage the situation and prevent environmental impact.

As of September 24, 2026, to contain the spread and runoff, the response team has built additional earthen dikes along the railway right-of-way to prevent rainwater from carrying oil waste into nearby rice fields and farms, and has temporarily sealed four culvert openings with blocking boards to stop oil from seeping into other areas.

Authorities have set up protective ropes and warning signs around the oil waste collection pits and the incident site to ensure public safety. All oil-soaked vegetation waste and hay used to absorb the oil has been collected by the company and transported for destruction by incineration at a cement plant in Kampot province, in line with proper technical procedures.
Local authorities continue to educate and instruct nearby residents to avoid direct contact with oil waste and to monitor their health regularly, especially since rainfall causes oil absorbed in the soil to resurface and release strong odors, requiring the closest possible supervision. By: Pey Sokhim