A religious pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand ended in tragedy on Thursday when an 11-year-old boy driving his parents’ pickup truck crashed into a group of Buddhist monks, killing nine and leaving at least 13 others injured.
The crash occurred in Mukdahan province, about 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, as 35 monks and several lay followers were walking along a roadside on a traditional pilgrimage to neighboring Ubon Ratchathani province. The group had begun the 260-kilometer journey only about 30 minutes before the collision.
According to provincial officials, five monks died at the scene while four more later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. At least 13 people were hospitalized, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Security camera footage shared by local rescue workers captured the horrifying moment the pickup truck suddenly veered off the road and plowed into the line of monks, who were walking single file along the shoulder. Images from the aftermath showed orange robes and personal belongings scattered across the roadway as emergency responders rushed to treat the injured.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate the boy took his parents’ vehicle without permission while he was home alone after staying away from school due to illness. Authorities believe he drove for several kilometers before losing control of the truck and crashing into the procession. The child has been taken into custody and will be questioned in the presence of child protection officials. No charges have yet been announced as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Surviving monks told investigators they noticed the pickup truck swerving moments before it left the roadway and struck the procession. Provincial Governor Worayan Bunnarat described the incident as one of the most devastating road tragedies the province has experienced and urged parents to ensure children cannot access vehicles without supervision.
The disaster has deeply shaken Thailand, where more than 90 percent of the population practices Buddhism and monks hold a highly respected place in society. Pilgrimage walks are a longstanding religious tradition in which monks travel between temples, receiving food and other offerings from local communities along the route.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns over Thailand’s road safety record, one of the poorest in Southeast Asia, with officials calling for stricter measures to prevent children from gaining access to vehicles and to reduce deadly traffic accidents.
