An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a Buddhist pilgrimage group in Mukdahan province, northeast Thailand, on 2/7. The incident resulted in the deaths of 8 monks and left over 20 people injured, with 4 monks in critical condition at Mukdahan hospital and 10 sustaining severe injuries.

The group consisted of 35 monks and 5 laypeople who were on a pilgrimage along a roadside. Monk Phra Sompong, a witness, described the terrifying scene: "I was chanting Buddhist prayers when I saw a boy driving the car approaching. Then suddenly, the vehicle sped up, crashing directly into our group." He added that while the 9 individuals at the front of the line were unharmed, those behind them were struck by the truck and thrown into the air.

The scene of the accident where a boy crashed his vehicle into a group of monks in Mukdahan province, northeast Thailand, on 2/7. Photo: Nation

Police reported the 11-year-old boy had stolen his parents' pickup truck, driven it onto the road, and caused the accident. General Pairoj Thaiphutsa, commander of Mukdahan provincial police, stated, "The vehicle has been sent for inspection to determine the cause. We have summoned the child's parents to ascertain responsibility and initiate legal procedures."

Mukdahan provincial governor, Worayan Bunnarat, called the incident a wake-up call for road safety. He emphasized, "We have been very strict about road safety in recent years. This incident is a lesson not only for our province but also for all citizens regarding accident prevention. I believe all involved, especially parents, need to participate, because no one wants such a terrible thing to happen."

Buddhist monks are highly revered in Thailand, tasked with preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. This reverence underscores the tragedy's impact on the community.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)