At least eight Buddhist monks were killed and 18 others injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy crashed into a group of monks participating in a religious pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, authorities said.

The accident occurred at approximately 11:55 a.m. near the entrance to the Huai Sing area in Na Si Nuan village, located in Muang district of Mukdahan province.

According to local officials, the monks were undertaking a pilgrimage on foot from Nam Khun district in neighboring Ubon Ratchathani province and had reached an area near Na Si Nuan Market when the vehicle struck the group.

Emergency responders reported that five monks died at the scene of the crash, while three others later succumbed to their injuries after being transported to Mukdahan Hospital. Eighteen additional monks were injured, including 13 who sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical treatment.

Authorities cautioned that the casualty figures remain preliminary and could change as investigations continue.

Prior to the incident, the group of 34 monks had stopped at Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom temple for a meal before resuming their journey toward Don Tan district in Mukdahan province.

Police said the vehicle involved in the crash was an Isuzu pickup truck allegedly driven by an 11-year-old boy. Investigators believe the child, who has been described as having special needs, took his father's vehicle without permission and drove from Don Tan district toward Muang district.

According to preliminary findings, the pickup truck veered into the group of monks walking along the roadside, causing multiple casualties and widespread panic among pilgrims and local residents.

Rescue teams and medical personnel rushed to the scene to provide emergency assistance and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The boy was taken into police custody and brought to Muang district police station, where officers began questioning him as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the accident and said additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

The tragedy has shocked communities across Mukdahan province and prompted an outpouring of condolences for the victims, many of whom were participating in a peaceful religious journey at the time of the crash. (ILKHA)