An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of Buddhist monks walking on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing eight and injuring 14 others, local officials said.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred in Mukdahan province, about 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. A total of 35 monks from the province were taking part in the pilgrimage when the vehicle struck them. According to Mukdahan Governor Worrayan Boonnarat, five monks died at the scene, and three more succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Fourteen others were hospitalized with various injuries.
Driver in Custody
Local police confirmed that the 11-year-old boy, who was driving the pickup truck, is now in custody. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. However, the monks reported that they saw the vehicle losing balance before it slid off the road and crashed into their group.
Impact and Response
The tragedy has shocked the local community, as the monks were on a religious walk, a common practice in Thailand. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash. The boy's legal status and any potential charges are yet to be announced.
