Eight monks dead and 13 more injured as 'truck crashes into pilgrimage' in Thailand

Eight Buddhist monks died and 13 more were seriously injured after a vehicle allegedly crashed into a crowd undertaking a pilgrimage in Thailand, local media reports. The harrowing incident happened at approximately noon local time (6am BST) on July 2, on a roadside in Ban Na Si Nuan, in the Mueang district.

Police officers and paramedics swarmed the scene to help the casualties. Five monks were sadly pronounced dead at the scene, while three others died at Mukdahan Hospital, according to local news reports. The other 13 injured monks were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

A total of 34 monks were taking part in the pilgrimage from Nam Khun district in Ubon Ratchathani to Don Tan district in Mukdahan.

The vehicle allegedly involved in the incident is a pickup truck.

The identity and age of the driver were not immediately confirmed by officials. Local media reported a “juvenile” or a minor was behind the wheel.

The Thai Inquirer reported that initial information suggested a vehicle was allegedly being driven by an 11-year-old boy at the time of the incident.

Khaosod English reported a vehicle was allegedly being driven by a juvenile, citing preliminary police investigations.

A cordon was set up, and an investigation remains ongoing as officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.