Eight Buddhist monks have been killed and 13 others have been seriously injured after a pick-up truck crashed into a walking pilgrimage in Thailand.
The incident occurred at around 12pm local time [6am BST] on Thursday, in the Mukdahan province in the northeast of Thailand. Five monks were pronounced dead at the scene, while the three others died at Mukdahan Hospital.
The pick-up truck involved was allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy who is understood to have taken the vehicle out on the road without an adult’s permission, khaosodenglish.com reports. The crash took place at the roadside in Ban Na Si Nuan in the Mueang district and, while the driver’s age has not been officially confirmed, it is understood a suspect is now in custody.
Monks were found lying on the road and roadside when emergency services arrived to the scene, which was cordoned off. The 13 injured monks were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment as their injuries were critical. Five others suffered less serious injuries.
A total of 34 monks were part of the pilgrimage from Nam Khun district in Ubon Ratchathani to Don Tan district in Mukdahan. An investigation remains ongoing as officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
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The monks were travelling on foot to Don Tan district after lunch at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, Thai Enquirer reports.