Mukdahan, Thailand

Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after being hit by a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy while on a pilgrimage in Thailand's northeastern province of Mukdahan, officials said on Thursday. The victims were part of a group of 34 Buddhist monks and five lay followers undertaking a pilgrimage from a temple ⁠in Mukdahan province to another in neighbouring Ubon Ratchathani province.

Five monks died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, the governor of Mukdahan said. Another 22 monks and one layperson were injured in the crash, including four who are now in critical condition.

"The ⁠driver, an 11-year-old boy with special needs, took the pickup truck from his family home and drove about 10 km (6 miles) before hitting the group of monks," said Major ⁠General Pairoj Thaiphutra, the Mukdahan provincial police chief.

Police have not filed any charges as investigators are still trying to establish ⁠the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officers have not yet been able to question the boy because ⁠he remains in a state of shock and is unable to provide a statement.

Buddhist monks are highly respected in Thailand as they are entrusted with preserving and passing on the Buddha's teachings. Public processions are not uncommon, with members of the public often giving monks alms of goodwill - such as food and basic necessities - as a sign of respect.