An owner of a crocodile farm lost his life while attempting to handle one of his crocodiles.
The event unfolded on a Cambodian crocodile farm in Siem Reap commune, owned by Luan Nam, 72. The local police chief, Mey Savry, confirmed the incident.
Viral Press, a user-submitted news video website, reports that Nam ventured into the crocodile enclosure with the aim of moving a crocodile that had laid eggs in one of the cages. The situation turned dangerous when the animal struck at the stick that Nam was using, causing him to trip and fall.
Nearly 40 crocodiles swarmed and attacked the farmer, leading to his demise. Chief Savry referred to the situation as a dreadful accident and remarked on the unyielding nature of the attack by the crocodiles.
Images from the scene illustrate the aftermath, with crocodiles navigating through a pool of the victim’s blood. Officials can be seen in disturbing footage laboriously removing Nam’s remains.
According to Chief Savry, Nam’s body bore many bite wounds, and his arms and one leg had been consumed by the crocodiles during the attack.
Nam’s remains were taken to his family residence where loved ones in mourning awaited. In addition to being a crocodile farmer, Nam served as president of the local crocodile farmers’ association. Nam had reportedly been asked numerous times to leave his perilous line of work.
This incident echoes a previous tragedy in Cambodia from 2019, when a two-year-old girl was attacked and eaten by crocodiles after falling into a pit on her family’s farm.