Eight Buddhist monks were killed and 13 others seriously injured after a pickup truck ploughed into a group of monks taking part in a walking pilgrimage in Mukdahan province, northeastern Thailand, on Thursday.
The incident occurred at about 12pm local time along a roadside in Ban Na Si Nuan, Mueang district.
Rescue teams, police and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, where several monks were found lying on the road and roadside following the impact.
Five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The 13 injured monks were taken to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Preliminary police investigations found that the pickup truck was allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have taken the vehicle without the permission of his parents or guardian before crashing into the procession.
Authorities have secured the scene and are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and investigating the exact cause of the crash.
The investigation is ongoing.
