Eight monks killed after 11-year-old boy driving pickup truck crashes

Eight Buddhist monks were killed, and more than 20 others were injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy struck a group of pilgrims in Thailand’s northeastern Mukdahan province, officials said on Thursday.

The victims were among a group of 34 Buddhist monks and five lay followers travelling on a pilgrimage from a temple in Mukdahan province to another in neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani province, Mukdahan Governor Vorayan Bunarat said during a press conference.

According to the governor, five monks died at the scene, while three others later died from their injuries in hospital. 

Another 22 monks and one lay follower were injured in the Thailand monks crash, with four of the victims reported to be in critical condition.

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“The driver, an 11-year-old boy with special needs, took the pickup truck from his family home and drove about 10 km (6 miles) before hitting the group of monks,” said Major General Pairoj Thaiphutra, the Mukdahan provincial police chief.

Police said no charges have been filed as investigators continue to determine what led to the crash.

Officers have also been unable to question the boy because he remains in shock and is not yet able to give a statement, Pairoj added.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident as those injured receive treatment in hospital.

(Reuters)