In Phnom Penh, Hok Lundy’s funeral held under tight surveillance

Hok Lundy's funeral (Photo: Pring Samrang, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)

10 Nov 2008
By Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

Hok Lundy’s funeral was held on Monday 10 November in his house in Phnom Penh, located near the ministry of National Defense. An important security force was deployed for the occasion.
Several high ranking government officials as well as numerous police officers participated in this religious ceremony. General Sok Phal, the deputy national police commissioner, told reporters that Hok Lundy’s remain will be sent back to Bavet, Svay Rieng, for burial. “The burial date is not set yet. His family would consult a Chinese astrologer to choose the date,” said the No. 2 top cop. According to Sok Phal, the funeral procession will be held in great pomp in respect of Hok Lundy’s high rank.
Cambodia top cop found his demise in the evening of 09 November during a helicopter crash. The accident occurred at about 8PM, in the southeast of the kingdom, at about 80 km from Phnom Penh. Three other passengers, including General Sok Saem, deputy RAFC commander, and two pilots also died in the accident. The top cop left Phnom Penh at 7PM to travel to Svay Rieng, his birth province. “He had a special mission to accomplish in this province,” Sok Phal said while adding that Hok Lundy’s body was found lying about 5-meter away from the helicopter. He did not seem to have any injuries. The helicopter belonged to Sokha Helicopters, a private company owned by Sokimex which recently invested in 9 new helicopters including 2 Ecureuils (French Squirrel type helicopter) built by Eurocopter and a Robinson R44.
Although the cause of the accident is still unknown, heavy rain in the region during the accident could be the origin.
Nevertheless, an anonymous source who was present on the spot of the accident, indicated that the helicopter landed normally, but that it exploded once it touched the ground. This information still needs to be confirmed.
According to Khieu Kanharith, minister of Information and government spokesman, who was reached by Cambodge Soir Hebdo, experts were immediately dispatched to the spot to investigate the cause of the accident. “We are waiting for the official report from these experts in order to come up with the preliminary findings,” Sok Phal indicated.