Nine Thai Monks Killed After 11-year-old Driver Collides With Procession

THAILAND – 9 Buddhist monks were killed, and several others in their procession injured when they were hit by an 11-year-old boy driving his parents’ pickup truck in North-East Thailand.

Five of the monks died at the scene and four others later in hospital.

The group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a road during a pilgrimage when the incident occurred.

Authorities said the boy, who is believed to have special needs, took the pickup without permission before losing control and crashing into the monks.

A Thai Police Major General said they were still determining the legal process for the boy going forward.