BANGKOK , Thailand – An 11-year-old boy driving a pickup truck crashed into a group of Buddhist monks during a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring several others, The Associated Press reported. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision, which occurred shortly after the monks began their journey.
The accident involved a group of 35 monks from Mukdahan province, located about 600 kilometers (372 miles) northeast of Bangkok. According to provincial officials, five monks died at the scene, while four more later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
Thirteen monks were hospitalized following the crash, including three who remained in critical condition, the provincial administration said.
Pilgrimage Ended by Fatal Collision
The monks had departed approximately 30 minutes earlier on a 260-kilometer (161-mile) pilgrimage to neighboring Ubon Ratchathani province when the pickup truck struck them.
Security camera footage released by the Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association showed the monks walking in single file along the roadside before the vehicle left the roadway and collided with the group.
Police said witnesses among the surviving monks reported seeing the pickup truck swerving before it veered off the road and crashed into the pilgrims.
Investigation Underway
Authorities said the 11-year-old driver was taken into custody following the incident. Police stated that the child will be questioned after officials from Thailand’s child protection services arrive.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the vehicle to leave the road, and authorities said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Officials have not released additional information regarding the boy’s access to the pickup truck or whether any other individuals were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
The investigation is expected to determine the factors that led to one of the country’s deadliest recent road incidents involving a religious procession.
Tags: Thailand, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Buddhist Monks, Road Accident, Traffic Safety, Pilgrimage, Child Driver, Police Investigation, Public Safety, Asia, Fatal Crash
