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Nine Buddhist monks were killed and 13 others injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy crashed into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, authorities said.
The accident occurred about 30 minutes after 35 monks from Mukdahan Province began a 260-kilometre pilgrimage to neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani Province.
According to provincial officials, five monks died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital.
Thirteen injured monks were admitted to hospital, with three reported to be in critical condition.
Security camera footage released by the Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association showed the monks walking in single file along the roadside moments before the pickup truck veered off the road and struck the group.
Police said the 11-year-old driver was taken into custody and will be questioned in the presence of child protection officials, in line with legal procedures involving minors.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary statements from surviving monks indicated that the vehicle had been swerving before leaving the roadway and ploughing into the pilgrims.
