India, July 2 -- A tragic road accident in northeastern Thailand claimed the lives of eight Buddhist monks after an 11-year-old boy, who was allegedly driving a pickup truck, crashed into a group of monks during a pilgrimage on Thursday.

The monks were walking in a single file along a roadside as part of a 260-kilometre religious journey from Mukdahan to Ubon Ratchathani province when the vehicle veered off the road and struck them.

According to local authorities, five monks died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

At least 14 people were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition. Security camera footage captured the moments before the crash, showing the monks walking along the roadsi...