Cambodian police chief dies in helicopter crash

Phnom Penh, Nov 10 (Xinhua) Cambodian chief of police Hok Lundy died in a helicopter crash Sunday night along with one general and two pilots, a government spokesman said.

According to spokesman Khieu Kanharith, Lundy was on his way from the capital Phnom Penh to his native province of Svay Rieng in a private plane that crashed some 80 km southeast of Phnom Penh.

Hok Lundy's body was almost blown into pieces and is now being carried to Phnom Penh, the officail said.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry said that Lundy's helicopter lost radio contact 15 minutes after it took off from the Phnom Penh International Airport around 7: 20 p.m.

Though the cause of the crash remained unclear, heavy rain is believed to be a possible factor.