Cambodian King Cancels Flight After Fuel Spill

A flight carrying Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk to Beijing for medical treatement, was cancelled at short notice after the plane's fuel tanks overflowed.

The Royal Air Cambodge Boeing 7-3-7 was being refuelled on the tarmac at Phnom Penh's airport, ahead of the King's arrival, when fuel began gushing from one wing.

Officials say refuellers overfilled the plane's tanks.

However King Sihanouk, who arrived with his entourage minutes later,cancelled the flight and returned to the palace after a conversation with prime minister, Hun Sen, who apologised for the mishap.

Hundreds of wellwishers were gathered at the airport, including most of the capital's foreign diplomatic community.

Seventy-seven-year-old King Sihanouk, who is suffering from a variety of ailments including diabetes and colon cancer, was due to fly out for the Chinese capital, Beijing.



People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/