Buddhist Monks to Resume Peace Walk After Accident in Texas
HOUSTON (AP) – A group of Buddhist monks, who are on a 2,300-mile journey across the United States to advocate for peace, plan to continue their trek after two of their members were injured in a car accident near Houston. This was confirmed by a group spokesperson on Thursday.
The pilgrimage, named Walk for Peace, began on October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, with around 20 monks participating. Their mission is to “raise awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion” not only in America but globally.
They intend to pass through ten states before reaching Washington, D.C.
In their travels, the monks have already visited various cities across Texas, including Austin and Houston. They typically walk along highways, guided closely by both police and accompanying vehicles, as noted by Long Si Dong, the spokesperson for the group. Interestingly, they’re accompanied by their pet dog, Aloka.
On Wednesday evening, their convoy was walking along Route 90 near Dayton, Texas—approximately 40 miles northeast of Houston—when a truck collided with them. The convoy had its hazard lights flashing. According to Dayton Interim Police Chief Shane Burley, the truck driver apparently misjudged the speed of the escort vehicle while trying to navigate around it without stopping in time. The impact struck the rear left of the escort vehicle, which then hit two monks.
One monk sustained a significant leg injury and was airlifted to a Houston hospital. The other monk, who suffered less severe injuries, was transported via ambulance to a different hospital outside the city.
A spokesperson for Walk for Peace provided an update via Facebook, stating that the most severely injured monk would require multiple surgeries to mend broken bones, though the outlook for recovery remains positive. They also shared that the surgery conducted on Thursday was successful.
“He’s doing well… giving us the thumbs up,” the spokesperson added. The condition of the second monk was not immediately available.
Despite the accident, the monks, who had camped overnight close to Dayton, intend to proceed with their journey “with firm determination,” according to Walk for Peace.
In a Facebook post, the group requested continued thoughts and prayers for the monks as they embark on their healing process and continue their pursuit of peace.
Following the crash, Dong indicated that their walking methods would remain unchanged, even as they traverse open fields and highways. They plan to coordinate with local law enforcement in the areas they travel to ensure safety.
“Everything is going according to plan at the moment,” Dong remarked.
Meanwhile, Burley mentioned that the truck driver is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, which is currently focused on possible driver negligence. Police have yet to decide whether any charges will be filed once their inquiry is complete.
