Tragic Incident in Thailand: Eight Monks Killed by 11-Year-Old Driver
Devastating Crash During Religious Procession
A tragic accident occurred in Thailand's Mukdahan province on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of eight Buddhist monks and injuries to several others. An 11-year-old boy lost control of his parents' pickup truck, crashing into a group of monks participating in a religious procession. CCTV footage released by a local rescue organization captured the moment of impact as the monks were walking along the road during their pilgrimage.
Boy driving truck crashes into group of Thai monks, killing 8 and injuring 14An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage walk in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing eight, officials said.A total of 35 monks from Mukdahan province,… pic.twitter.com/UuVuBJubpq
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Authorities reported that the group of 35 monks, accompanied by five lay followers, was walking from one temple in Mukdahan to another in Ubon Ratchathani when the incident took place shortly before 11 a.m. local time. The boy had taken the truck without his parents' consent and drove approximately 6 miles (10 km) before the crash.
Five monks died instantly at the scene, while three others later passed away in the hospital. Several monks sustained injuries, with three in critical condition and at least five others seriously hurt. Mukdahan Hospital has issued a call for urgent blood donations to assist the injured.
Footage from the crash site revealed saffron robes and personal belongings of the monks scattered across the road alongside the wrecked pickup truck. Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa stated that investigators are still determining the legal implications of the incident, given that the driver is a minor. The vehicle has been sent for forensic analysis to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Authorities have yet to interview the boy, who remains in shock. Thaiphutsa mentioned that the child is currently under the care of officials, his guardians, and a medical professional. Preliminary reports suggest that the boy has special needs, although no further details have been disclosed.
Initial investigations revealed that the boy was left home alone after missing school due to illness. His guardians contacted the police upon discovering the pickup truck was missing. One of the surviving monks, Phra Sompong, recounted chanting "Buddho, Buddho" before noticing the approaching truck. He managed to jump out of the way just in time, while many others were thrown into the air by the force of the collision.
Mukdahan's provincial governor, Worayan Bunnarat, emphasized the need for increased road safety awareness, urging parents and the community to take measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.