11-year-old Thai child drives into pilgrimage group, killing 8 monks and injuring over 20

(CNA Bangkok, July 2) Thai police and officials said today that an unauthorized 11-year-old child drove his parents' pickup truck in Mukdahan province in the northeast, losing control and crashing into a roadside pilgrimage group, killing at least 8 Buddhist monks and injuring more than 20 people.

According to AFP, the local police chief, Pairoj Thaiphutsa, told reporters that 35 monks and 5 devotees were walking on the roadside during the pilgrimage when the incident occurred, stating that "the suspect was an 11-year-old child."

According to AP, some monks told police that they first saw the vehicle lose control, after which it skidded off the road and crashed into the pilgrimage group.

The child involved has been detained by police. The accident resulted in 5 monks dying at the scene, and 3 monks succumbing to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital. More than 20 other injured individuals were sent to the hospital for treatment. (Intern Editor: Wang Bojie / Editor: Hong Qiyuan) 1150702

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