At least eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than ten others injured Thursday when a child drove his parents’ truck into a procession in northeast Thailand, police said.
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CCTV footage from a nearby property shows the monks walking along the road, several vehicles passing, then the sound of a loud crash before the procession stops.
“I saw a boy approaching behind the wheel of a van. At that time, I was chanting ‘Buddho, Buddho’ (a meditation mantra),” said a monk identified as Phra Sompong, in a video posted online by local rescuers.
“Then, suddenly, the truck hit us at full speed and crushed us like that,” he said, walking his talk. “Luckily, another monk and I managed to get out of the way in time,” he added. “The first nine monks in line survived. But the others, who were hit, were thrown into the air. »
Five monks died instantly and three others died in hospital from their injuries. Health authorities said four monks were in critical condition at Mukdahan Hospital and ten others were seriously injured, while others were being treated for lighter injuries.
Rescue teams and emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to a local hospital.
Buddhist monks are highly revered in Thailand, responsible for preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Buddha. They often hold public processions and are widely seen receiving alms from ordinary Thais.
The governor of Mukdahan province, Worayan Bunnarat, said this tragedy should serve as a warning in terms of road safety.
Fatal transport accidents are common in Thailand, which has one of the worst road safety records in the world, with speeding, drunk driving and weak law enforcement all contributing factors.
“We have significantly strengthened road safety measures in recent years. This tragedy must serve as a lesson not only to our province, but also to the public as a whole to prevent road accidents,” he said.
“I think everyone involved, especially parents, must take responsibility because no one wants such a tragedy to happen. »
