11-year-old driving pickup truck crashes into monks in Thailand, eight killed
A tragic road accident in northeastern Thailand claimed the lives of eight Buddhist monks after an 11-year-old boy, who was allegedly driving a pickup truck, crashed into a group of monks during a pilgrimage on Thursday.
The monks were walking in a single file along a roadside as part of a 260-kilometre religious journey from Mukdahan to Ubon Ratchathani province when the vehicle veered off the road and struck them.
According to local authorities, five monks died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
At least 14 people were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition. Security camera footage captured the moments before the crash, showing the monks walking along the roadside before the pickup truck rammed into the group.
Police have taken the 11-year-old into custody and said he will be questioned in the presence of child protection officials. Investigators are trying to determine how the child gained access to the vehicle and what caused the crash. Witnesses reportedly told police that the pickup truck had been swerving before it left the road and hit the pilgrims. The investigation is ongoing.
