Nine Buddhist monks lost their lives and several others were injured after a vehicle crashed into a group of them on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand. The incident occurred approximately 600 km northeast of the capital Bangkok, where the group of 35 monks and five followers was on its way from a temple in Mukdahan to another one in Ubon Ratchathani province. The group had just started its 260-km walk to the temple about 30 minutes before the incident occurred.
The vehicle, which was driven by an 11-year-old boy, plowed into the group. The boy had apparently stolen the vehicle from his family's home and drove it 10 km before hitting the procession. Four of the monks died at the scene, and five more died at a hospital. Twenty-two additional monks, four of whom are in critical condition, and one follower were also injured.
The police are still investigating the cause of the crash and have not yet questioned the boy, who is in custody. The boy is reportedly in a state of shock and unable to provide a statement. Local authorities have stated that the boy has special needs, and protective services will be monitoring him when the police conduct a follow-up interview.
No charges have been filed, and the investigation is currently focusing on the lead-up to the incident. The police chief described the vehicle as swerving before leaving the road and crashing into the group. The incident has resulted in widespread shock and sadness, and the investigation continues to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
