Nine Buddhist monks were killed and several others injured when an 11‑year‑old boy drove his parents' pickup truck into a pilgrimage procession in Mukdahan province, northeast Thailand.
Video footage shows saffron robes scattered along the roadside and a wrecked vehicle. Five monks died at the scene, four more later in hospital.
Police say the boy took the pickup without permission, lost control, and crashed into the monks. An investigation is ongoing.
Major General Pairoj Thaiptasa said officials are handling the boy, who is a child with special needs, and the vehicle is under forensic examination.
Three monks remain in critical condition, five seriously hurt, and many others treated for less severe injuries. The hospital has called for urgent blood donations.
Governor Worayan Bunnarat condemned the incident, calling it a warning for road safety and stressing the importance of parental supervision.
