Thailand Truck Crash: Deadly Truck Crash Claimed Nine Monks' Lives

A teenage boy struck a gathering of monks with his mini truck on Thursday while they were participating in a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand.

The expedition included 35 monks from Mukdahan province.

At the scene, at least five monks were reported dead, and three additional monks later died from their injuries in a hospital, according to officials in Mukdahan. 

The provincial authorities have confirmed that 13 more monks were hospitalized, three of whom are in a critical state.

The police said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the monks informed them that they witnessed the truck swerve before it fell off the road and struck the group.

The minor boy, aged 11 years, is currently in prison and will be interrogated, according to authorities.

Buddhist monks hold a significant place in Thai society, with more than 90% of the population being followers of the religion.