An 11-year-old boy stole his parents' pickup truck and drove from home heading toward Mukdahan city before losing control and crashing. The pilgrim monks were struck and killed. Five died and many were injured.
On 2 July 2026, reporters reported that around 11:00 a.m., a bronze-gold pickup truck registered in Mukdahan lost control and crashed into pilgrim monks near Na Wiang Kae village, Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Mueang district, Mukdahan province.
At the scene, five monks were found dead, and seven were seriously injured and rushed to Mukdahan Hospital and nearby hospitals. About 20 others suffered minor injuries. The monk group had been traveling from Mukdahan city to Ubon Ratchathani province. The pickup truck was driven by an 11-year-old boy.
Lieutenant Thira Kaewnate, a highway police officer, said he saw many injured monks lying at the scene and at first thought it was a drill. Upon realizing it was a major accident, he assisted in coordinating with local police, hospitals, and rescue teams to help the injured.
Initial inquiries revealed the driver was an approximately 11-year-old boy who stole his parents' truck and drove recklessly. Five monks died at the scene, seven were critically injured, and the rest had minor injuries and were in shock. The total number of monks was 34.
Authorities have taken the suspect to Mueang Mukdahan police station to investigate the true cause of the incident. Further updates will be provided.