Tragedy in Thailand: 9 Buddhist Monks Killed After Truck Driven by 11-Year-Old Ploughs into Pilgrimage Group
BANGKOK: A horrific road accident claimed the lives of nine Buddhist monks and left several others injured in Thailand after a truck driven by an 11-year-old minor ploughed into a religious procession. The tragic incident occurred in the Mukdahan town, located approximately 650 kilometers away from the capital city of Bangkok.
Horrific CCTV Footage Captures the Crash
According to local rescue teams, the devastating moment was captured on CCTV. The chilling footage shows a group of Buddhist monks clad in their traditional saffron robes walking along the roadside when a speeding truck suddenly loses control and rams into them from behind. The impact was so severe that bodies were left scattered across the roadway. The accident reportedly took place on Thursday morning, just before 11:00 AM.
Official Statements and Casualties
The Governor of Mukdahan Province, Worayan Bunarat, confirmed that the victims were part of a larger religious pilgrimage. A group consisting of 34 Buddhist monks and five followers was traveling on foot along the roadside from one temple to another in Ubon Ratchathani when the tragedy struck.
The Mukdahan provincial office has confirmed the following casualties so far:
- Deceased: 9 Buddhist monks
- Injured: 3 individuals (admitted to the hospital)
Investigation Reveals Minor at the Wheel
Local police authorities revealed that the truck was being driven by an 11-year-old boy who had taken the vehicle without his parents’ knowledge or permission. The underage driver completely lost control of the heavy vehicle, leading to the fatal collision.
The minor driver also sustained severe injuries during the crash and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital under police supervision. An investigation is underway, and authorities are expected to look into parental negligence and liability regarding how the minor gained access to the vehicle.