11-year-old crashes pickup into monks in Thailand, eight killed

An 11‑year‑old boy drove his parents’ pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in Mukdahan province, police said, killing eight pilgrims and leaving 14 others hospitalized. The incident occurred on a rural road near the town of Mukdahan, where the monks were traveling in a convoy for a religious ceremony. Authorities confirmed that the truck was traveling at a speed that caused the collision, and emergency services were dispatched immediately to the scene.

Investigators are examining the circumstances of the crash, including the driver’s age, vehicle condition, and road safety measures. The monks were traveling in a group of 22, and the victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma. The police have opened a formal inquiry into the incident and are working with the families of the deceased and injured.

The tragedy has prompted local officials to review safety protocols for pilgrimages and to consider additional measures to protect vulnerable groups traveling on rural roads. The incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, especially in areas frequented by large groups of pedestrians.