A pilgrimage by Buddhist monks in northeastern Thailand turned tragic after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy ploughed into the group, killing 10 monks and injuring more than 20 others, local authorities said.
The fatal crash occurred on Route 2034 in Mukdahan province, close to the border with Laos, as the monks were making their way on foot toward neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani province.
Pilgrims Were Walking Between Temples
Provincial officials said the procession had departed from a temple in Mukdahan and consisted of 34 monks accompanied by five laypeople.
Mukdahan Governor Worayan Bunnarat told reporters that emergency responders and medical teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they treated victims before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Death Toll Increased After Hospital Admissions
Authorities initially confirmed that eight monks had died, with five pronounced dead at the crash site and three succumbing to their injuries after being taken to hospital.
However, local health officials later announced that two more monks had died while receiving treatment, raising the overall death toll to 10.
Dozens Left Injured
Officials reported that more than 20 people sustained injuries in the collision, with many suffering fractures.
Medical authorities said several victims also sustained traumatic brain injuries. Four patients remained in critical condition, while another 10 were being treated for moderate injuries.
CCTV and Witness Footage Capture Impact
Video footage circulating after the incident showed the pickup truck travelling at considerable speed before veering into the group of monks, who were walking along the roadside during their pilgrimage.
The force of the collision scattered members of the procession, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Child Driver Reportedly Lost Control
According to local officials, the vehicle belonged to the parents of the 11-year-old boy, who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
Reports indicated that the child lost control of the pickup before it struck the pilgrims. Authorities have not explained why the boy was driving the vehicle.
Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa told the BBC that the child has special needs. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
