Pakistan, July 3 -- An 11-year-old boy allegedly driving a pickup truck crashed into a group of Buddhist monks during a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand, killing 10 monks and injuring more than 20 others, authorities said.

The accident occurred on Thursday in Thailand's Mukdahan province, around 600 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Officials said a total of 35 monks were taking part in a 260-kilometre pilgrimage to Ubon Ratchathani province when the vehicle struck them.

According to provincial authorities, five monks died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. More than 10 injured monks remain hospitalized, with one reported to be in critical condition.

The monks had begun their journey about ...