An 11-year-old boy driving his father's pick-up truck crashed into a line of 34 Buddhist monks walking along a roadside in Mukdahan, northeast Thailand, just before noon on Wednesday, killing eight and injuring 26 others.
Details of the Incident
The monks were walking in single file as part of a pilgrimage to a religious site, carrying alms collected along the route, when a bronze Isuzu pick-up plowed through them. Footage from the aftermath shows the monks in their distinctive orange robes scattered across the ground. Eight were pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 others were rushed to hospital with critical injuries. The remaining 12 suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Police Response
Police took the boy into custody and are investigating how he came to be driving the vehicle. They are also searching for his relatives. Lieutenant Theera Kaewnet, who responded to the scene, said: 'Upon arriving at the scene, I found a large number of monks lying on the road and by the roadside. At first, I thought it was a contingency drill, but when I went down to inspect, I realised it was an actual accident, so I quickly coordinated with local police officers, rescuers and the hospital to urgently assist the injured.'
Impact
The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community and the Buddhist faithful. The injured monks remain hospitalized, with 14 in critical condition. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the circumstances that led to the boy driving the pick-up.
