At least five monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after a pickup truck allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy ploughed into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in Mukdahan, Thailand, on Thursday.
The crash occurred at around 11.55am on the inbound carriageway of a main road near the entrance to Huai Sing in Na Si Nuan subdistrict. Rescue workers and medical teams rushed to the scene to assist the victims.
Police said five monks died at the scene, while seven others sustained serious injuries and were transported to Mukdahan Hospital and nearby medical facilities. Around 20 more monks suffered minor injuries.
According to investigators, the bronze-gold Isuzu pickup truck was allegedly being driven by an 11-year-old boy who had reportedly taken his parents’ vehicle without their permission before losing control and crashing into the group.
The monks, numbering 34, were reportedly walking from Mukdahan to Ubon Ratchathani as part of a religious pilgrimage when the collision occurred.
A highway police officer who happened to pass by the scene initially believed the incident was part of an emergency response drill. After realising it was a serious accident, he immediately coordinated with local police, hospitals and rescue teams to assist the victims.
The child has been taken to Mueang Mukdahan Police Station, where authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police have yet to determine the exact cause of the incident, and investigations remain ongoing.
