Two Monks Injured in Crash During U.S. Peace Pilgrimage

Dayton, Texas – Authorities in the city of Dayton received a report of a vehicle crashing into a group of Buddhist monks who were undertaking a cross-country peace pilgrimage, resulting in injuries to two monks.

The accident occurred on U.S. Highway 90 near SH-99 on Wednesday evening. Dayton police reported that a passenger vehicle with its hazard lights on was following behind the monks, who were walking along the shoulder of the road, when a truck struck the vehicle from behind, forcing it forward into the monks.

Two monks were transported to the hospital. One sustained serious injuries to the lower body and was airlifted by helicopter, while the other suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance.

The group of approximately 24 monks began their pilgrimage on 26 October from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana meditation center in Fort Worth, Texas, with the goal of walking 2,300 miles to Washington, D.C.

This “Peace Pilgrimage Walk” will pass through 10 states, with planned stops at state capitol buildings, historic landmarks, and local communities to share their message and invite people to practice mindfulness, prayer, and meditation.