Video: 11-year-old rams pickup truck into group of monks in Thailand, 8 killed

Five monks died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Twenty-two other monks and one lay follower were injured in the crash, with four monks reported to be in critical condition.

In Short

• The group includes 34 monks and five lay followers
• Authorities unable to question 11-year-old boy yet
• Five monks die at the scene and three lose their lives later in hospital

Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after a pickup truck allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy rammed into a group of pilgrims in Thailand's northeastern Mukdahan province, authorities said on Thursday.

The victims were part of a group of 34 Buddhist monks and five lay followers who were undertaking a religious pilgrimage from a temple in Mukdahan province to another in neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani province, Mukdahan Governor Vorayan Bunarat said.

Five monks died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Twenty-two other monks and one lay follower were injured in the crash, with four monks reported to be in critical condition.

According to Major General Pairoj Thaiphutra, chief of the Mukdahan Provincial Police, the pickup truck was allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy with special needs, who took the vehicle from his family home and drove nearly 10 kilometres before crashing into the pilgrims.

Police said investigators are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and have not filed any charges.

Authorities have also been unable to question the boy, as he remains in a state of shock and is not yet in a condition to give a statement.

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