Ten Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured on Thursday when an 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into their pilgrimage procession in northeastern Thailand.
The tragedy occurred in Mukdahan province, roughly 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. According to provincial officials, a group of 35 monks and several lay followers were 30 minutes into a 260-kilometer (161-mile) walk to neighboring Ubon Ratchathani province. Security footage showed the group walking in a single file along the roadside when the truck swerved, slid off the road and plowed into them.
According to local administration officials the 5 monks died instantly at the scene and 5 monks later succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. Over 20 people were hospitalized with several remaining in critical condition.
Major General Pairoj Thaiphutra, the Mukdahan provincial police chief confirmed that the driver is an 11-year-old boy with special needs. He had reportedly taken the vehicle from his family home and driven approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) before the fatal collision.
The boy is currently in police custody but remains in a state of severe shock making immediate questioning impossible. While investigators are still establishing the exact circumstances surrounding the crash police indicated that the child's parents may face negligence charges. No formal charges have been filed yet.
