10 Monks Killed After an 11 Year Boy Drives Pickup Truck Into Buddhist Pilgrimage in Thailand

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Bangkok : Ten Buddhist monks have died after a pickup truck driven by an 11 year old boy crashed into a religious procession in northeastern Thailand, authorities said, in one of the country's deadliest road accidents involving a religious gathering in recent years.

The crash occurred on July 2 in Mukdahan province, where a group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside as part of a pilgrimage. Five monks died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

According to the latest update from Mukdahan Hospital, 10 people remain hospitalized, including two in critical condition and eight others with injuries.

Police said the vehicle was being driven by an 11 year old boy who had taken his parents' pickup truck without permission. Authorities have not yet been able to obtain a statement from the child.

Mukdahan City Police chief Prayut Ruanthongkam said the boy had been referred to child welfare authorities for assessment and was accompanied by his mother.

Officials are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.