An 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage walk in northeastern Thailand, resulting in the death of nine individuals, as per officials. The tragic incident took place as 35 monks from Mukdahan province were embarking on a pilgrimage journey to Ubon Ratchathani province, located approximately 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Five monks lost their lives at the scene of the accident, with an additional four succumbing to their injuries at a hospital. Thirteen other monks were injured, with three in critical condition, as reported by provincial authorities.
The group had commenced their 260-kilometer walk just half an hour before the collision occurred. Surveillance footage from a local rescue organization, Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association, captured the monks walking in a single file along the roadside moments before the truck collided with them.
The young boy responsible for the crash is currently in custody and will be interrogated upon the arrival of state child protection officers, according to police statements. While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, law enforcement officials mentioned that the monks observed the vehicle swerving before veering off the road and hitting the group.