Tragic Accident in Thailand as Youngster Rams Vehicle into Procession of Monks
In a shocking incident, an 11-year-old boy lost control of a pickup truck and crashed into a group of monks in northeastern Thailand. The accident tragically claimed the lives of eight monks and left 14 others injured.
The group, consisting of 35 monks from the province of Mukdahan, was on a pilgrimage walk about 370 miles away from the capital city, Bangkok. The boy's vehicle struck the procession, instantly killing five monks, while three others succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. Out of the remaining injured, four are said to be in a critical state.
The Fateful Pilgrimage
The monks had begun their 162-mile pilgrimage to the province of Ubon Ratchathani just half an hour before the tragic incident occurred. A local rescue group shared footage from a security camera, which captured the monks walking single-file on the side of the road before the truck rammed into them.
The young boy responsible for the accident is currently in police custody and is awaiting questioning by child protection officers.
The Investigation
The police are still investigating the cause of the accident. Witnesses, including the monks, reported that the vehicle was seen swerving before it slid off the road and crashed into the group.
One of the monks, Phra Sompong, recalled the horrifying incident. He said, "I noticed a boy driving a pickup truck coming towards us. I was chanting a meditation mantra when the truck hit us at full speed. Another monk and I managed to jump out of the way in time. The first nine monks in line survived, but those who were hit were thrown into the air."
Footage Captures Moments Before the Crash
CCTV footage from a nearby property shows the monks walking along the road, with multiple vehicles driving past. Then, a loud crash can be heard, and the procession comes to an abrupt halt. The police revealed that the boy had taken his parents' pickup truck without their consent before losing control and crashing into the monks.
The police have taken the vehicle for forensic examination to determine the cause of the accident. They have also reached out to the boy's parents to further understand the circumstances leading up to the accident and to ascertain accountability.
Monks in Thailand
In Thailand, Buddhist monks are held in high regard and are entrusted with the task of preserving and spreading the teachings of Buddha. They often hold public processions and are commonly seen receiving goodwill offerings from locals.
Call for Road Safety
The governor of Mukdahan province, Worayan Bunnarat, stressed the importance of road safety in the wake of this tragic incident. He called on parents to play a more active role in preventing such incidents from occurring, stating, "No one wants something like this to happen."
Thailand has one of the worst road safety records globally, with frequent fatal accidents due to speeding, drunk driving, and lax law enforcement. Bunnarat emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to road safety, not just in his province, but throughout the country. He hopes this incident serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of negligence on the roads.
In a shocking incident, an 11-year-old boy lost control of a pickup truck and crashed into a group of monks in northeastern Thailand. The accident tragically claimed the lives of eight monks and left 14 others injured.
The group, consisting of 35 monks from the province of Mukdahan, was on a pilgrimage walk about 370 miles away from the capital city, Bangkok. The boy's vehicle struck the procession, instantly killing five monks, while three others succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. Out of the remaining injured, four are said to be in a critical state.
The Fateful Pilgrimage
The monks had begun their 162-mile pilgrimage to the province of Ubon Ratchathani just half an hour before the tragic incident occurred. A local rescue group shared footage from a security camera, which captured the monks walking single-file on the side of the road before the truck rammed into them.
The young boy responsible for the accident is currently in police custody and is awaiting questioning by child protection officers.
The Investigation
The police are still investigating the cause of the accident. Witnesses, including the monks, reported that the vehicle was seen swerving before it slid off the road and crashed into the group.
One of the monks, Phra Sompong, recalled the horrifying incident. He said, "I noticed a boy driving a pickup truck coming towards us. I was chanting a meditation mantra when the truck hit us at full speed. Another monk and I managed to jump out of the way in time. The first nine monks in line survived, but those who were hit were thrown into the air."
Footage Captures Moments Before the Crash
CCTV footage from a nearby property shows the monks walking along the road, with multiple vehicles driving past. Then, a loud crash can be heard, and the procession comes to an abrupt halt. The police revealed that the boy had taken his parents' pickup truck without their consent before losing control and crashing into the monks.
The police have taken the vehicle for forensic examination to determine the cause of the accident. They have also reached out to the boy's parents to further understand the circumstances leading up to the accident and to ascertain accountability.
Monks in Thailand
In Thailand, Buddhist monks are held in high regard and are entrusted with the task of preserving and spreading the teachings of Buddha. They often hold public processions and are commonly seen receiving goodwill offerings from locals.
Call for Road Safety
The governor of Mukdahan province, Worayan Bunnarat, stressed the importance of road safety in the wake of this tragic incident. He called on parents to play a more active role in preventing such incidents from occurring, stating, "No one wants something like this to happen."
Thailand has one of the worst road safety records globally, with frequent fatal accidents due to speeding, drunk driving, and lax law enforcement. Bunnarat emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to road safety, not just in his province, but throughout the country. He hopes this incident serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of negligence on the roads.