In Cambodia, four people were crushed to death as a crowd surged to receive money envelopes distributed by a wealthy individual ahead of the Lunar New Year.

On the 23rd (local time) in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, while tycoon Kong (78) is holding an event to give out New Year's gifts in his mansion, a crowd gathers and 4 people are crushed to death. The injured are being transported by stretcher to an ambulance at the accident site. /Courtesy of AFP YONHAP

According to the AP, AFP, and local media Khmer Times on the 23rd (local time), Sok Kong (78), one of Cambodia's notable tycoons, held an event that morning at his mansion in downtown Phnom Penh, distributing money for the Lunar New Year and rice.

In Cambodia, it is a tradition for the wealthy to give money for the Lunar New Year to the poor. Sok Kong distributed 40,000 riel (about 14,000 won) per person and 2 kg of rice at his mansion.

As the news spread, at least hundreds rushed to the mansion's front gate, and as the crowd gathered, two men and two women collapsed and were taken to a nearby hospital, but they died. Five others were reported injured, according to local officials.

When the incident occurred, the police arrived, halting the event and dispersing the crowd. A Phnom Penh police official noted, "Several elderly people with health issues fell while trying to receive gifts, and four have died so far."

Local media reported that Sok Kong, jointly with Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, paid condolence payments of 15 million riel (about 5.33 million won) for each deceased and 4 million riel (about 1.42 million won) for each injured.

Meanwhile, Sok Kong is a prominent tycoon in Cambodia, involved in various sectors including oil, hotels, and casinos, and is known to be a close associate of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who ruled for 38 years.

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