Nine Buddhist monks were killed, and greater than 20 were injured, after an 11-year-old boy driving a pickup truck crashed into a gaggle of them during a pilgrimage in Thailand’s northeastern province of Mukdahan, Thai officials said on Thursday.
The victims were amongst a gaggle of 35 Buddhist monks and five followers who were on their way from a temple in Mukdahan, about 600 kilometres northeast of the capital Bangkok, to a different in neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani province, Gov. Vorayan Bunarat said at a press conference, Reuters and The Associated Press reported.
Five victims died on the scene, while 4 more died at a hospital after succumbing to injuries, in response to the governor. One other 22 monks, 4 of whom are in critical condition, and one follower were also injured.
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The boy, who local authorities say has special needs, stole the truck from his family home and drove it about 10 km before hitting the group of monks, Maj.-Gen. Pairoj Thaiphutra, the Mukdahan provincial police chief, said Thursday. He added that no charges had been filed and that an investigation into the circumstances leading as much as the incident was ongoing.
Thaiphutra added that officers had not yet questioned the boy because he was in a state of shock and unable to offer an announcement. Later Thursday, it was reported by the AP that he’s in custody and can be questioned under the watch of kid protective services.
The group began the 260-kilometre walk to Ubon Ratchathani province about half-hour before the crash, in response to the AP, which added that security camera footage posted by the Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association, an area rescue group, shows the monks walking in single file on the side of a road before the truck hits them.
— It is a developing story; check back for updates.
— with files from The Associated Press and Reuters
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