The death toll from a pickup truck crash that struck a Buddhist procession in northeastern Thailand has risen to 10 after another monk died from injuries sustained in the incident, authorities said Friday.
The crash occurred Thursday in Mukdahan Province when an 11-year-old boy, who police said had taken his parents’ pickup truck without permission, drove into a group of 35 monks and five lay followers participating in a religious pilgrimage.
Police said five monks died at the scene, while five others later died in the hospital, raising the death toll to 10.
Ten other people remain hospitalized, including two in critical condition and eight with injuries, according to the latest update from local health authorities.
Authorities said the boy, who reportedly has special needs, had driven about 10 kilometers before the crash. He has been placed under the care of child welfare authorities and remains unable to give a statement to investigators.
Under Thai law, children younger than 12 cannot be held criminally liable.
Police are continuing their investigation by interviewing witnesses and surviving monks, while the pickup truck has been taken for forensic examination.
Following the tragedy, Mukdahan Hospital appealed for blood donations to help treat the injured.
Provincial officials also called the incident a reminder of the importance of road safety and urged parents to ensure children do not have access to vehicles.
