What began as a sacred walk of faith ended in heartbreak when a pickup truck struck a group of Buddhist monks during a pilgrimage in Mukdahan, Thailand.

The monks were walking along a road in northeastern Thailand when the vehicle crashed into the group. Officials reported that nine monks were killed and more than a dozen others were injured. The victims had reportedly begun their long journey only a short time before the accident.

The driver was identified as an 11-year-old boy. Police said he allegedly took the pickup truck from his family home without permission. Reports indicate that he drove several miles before losing control and hitting the monks.

The crash has caused widespread sorrow across Thailand. Buddhist monks are deeply respected in Thai society, and pilgrimages are an important spiritual practice. The image of monks walking peacefully along the roadside before being struck has made the tragedy even more heartbreaking for the public.

Authorities said the boy is in custody and will be questioned with child protection officials involved. Investigators are also looking into how he was able to access the vehicle and whether adults may bear responsibility for failing to prevent the incident.

The accident has also renewed concern about road safety in Thailand. Officials have urged parents and guardians to keep vehicle keys secure and to ensure children cannot operate vehicles under any circumstances.

For now, the focus remains on the victims, the injured monks still receiving care, and the communities left grieving after a moment of faith became a devastating national tragedy.

Sources: LA Times/AP, Nation Thailand