The Cambodian Water Festival, a major national celebration in Cambodia, commemorates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River and has traditionally been a time for gathering and festivity. In 2010, the festival drew an overwhelming number of attendees to Phnom Penh. One of the key attractions during the festival was the crowded Koh Pich Island, which was hosting various cultural activities and boat races. As thousands of people flocked to the island, many attempted to cross a narrow, makeshift bridge to attend the celebrations on the other side. The situation escalated as overcrowding led to panic among the festival-goers, triggering a deadly stampede. Reports indicate that individuals fell and were trampled by the sheer weight of the crowd. Emergency responders struggled to access the scene due to the chaos, intensifying the tragedy. The local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed with injured individuals, creating a dire medical emergency amidst the festive atmosphere. The incident caught international attention and led to widespread mourning across Cambodia.

Following the incident, the Cambodian government faced significant pressure to improve crowd control measures during significant public events. This led to discussions about how to handle large gatherings to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Official inquiries into the safety protocols and infrastructure surrounding large festivals commenced, aiming to establish measures that would ensure the safety of attendees. Government officials expressed their condolences and emphasized the need for reform in event management practices to protect citizens during celebrations that have significant cultural importance.