Four Buddhist monks were killed and several others injured when a truck crashed into a religious procession in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, police said.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred in Mukdahan province around 6:30 a.m. local time as about 100 monks were walking along a road collecting alms. A six-wheeled truck veered off the road and struck the group, according to Police Colonel Somchai Chaiyasit.
Three monks died at the scene, and a fourth succumbed to injuries in hospital. At least 10 others were wounded, with three in critical condition.
Driver Arrested
The driver, 42-year-old Prasert Boonma, was arrested at the scene. Police said he tested positive for methamphetamine. He faces charges of reckless driving causing death and injury.
“The driver admitted to using drugs the night before,” Somchai said. “He lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid a dog.”
Community Mourning
The monks were from Wat Si Mongkol temple in Mukdahan. The local community has expressed shock and grief. Funeral rites are being conducted at the temple. Thailand has one of the highest road death rates in the world, with an average of 60 deaths per day, according to the World Health Organization.
