An 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a procession of monks on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand, resulting in the death of nine monks, as confirmed by authorities. The monks, totaling 35 from Mukdahan province, were on a pilgrimage that started towards Ubon Ratchathani province, about 260 kilometers away, just half an hour before the tragic incident.
Five monks lost their lives at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. Thirteen monks were injured, with three in critical condition and receiving medical treatment, as reported by the provincial administration.
Surveillance footage from a local rescue group, Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association, revealed the monks walking in a single file along the road before the pickup truck collided with them. The young boy responsible for the crash is now in custody and will be questioned by authorities upon the arrival of state child protection officers.
Although the cause of the accident is currently under investigation, initial reports from the monks suggest that they observed the vehicle swerving before it veered off the road and plowed into the group.
