Photo of that accident. (Photo: Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation / AFP)
The death toll following an accident during a Buddhist monks procession in Thailand has risen to 10 after an 11-year-old boy drove a van into the procession.
Ten people are still in hospital after Thursday’s accident – two in a critical condition and eight with injuries.
A group of 35 monks and five followers were walking along a road in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when a van plowed into them.
The police say the vehicle was driven by an 11-year-old boy who took his parents’ vehicle without permission.
Five monks died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Mukdahan City Police Chief Prayut Ruanthongkam said the boy was unable to give a statement to the police.
(Photo: Ruamjai Mukdahan Rescue Foundation / AFP)
He and his mother were referred to child welfare authorities for an assessment. In Thailand, children under 12 bear no criminal liability. The police are also taking statements from surviving monks as part of the investigation.
Buddhist monks are held in high esteem in Thailand and are regarded as custodians of the teachings of Buddha.
They regularly participate in public processions.
A representative of Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom, a temple on a hill in Mukdahan, said the temple is currently caring for surviving and recovering monks, as well as other followers who were involved in the procession.