Buddhist Monks Struck by Vehicle During Walk for Peace Near Dayton, TX

What began as a spiritual mission to promote peace, unity, and compassion took a devastating turn on Wednesday evening when two Buddhist monks were struck by a vehicle along Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas. The monks were part of a cross-country “Walk for Peace,” a 110-day journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., meant to spread a message of nonviolence and goodwill.

According to local reports, the group was walking eastbound on Highway 90 with a police escort and a vehicle following behind them with hazard lights flashing. A pickup truck bearing a TNT Crane & Rigging logo attempted to swerve to avoid the escort vehicle but instead collided with it, sending the vehicle into two of the monks. Both monks sustained serious injuries; one was airlifted to a nearby hospital and later underwent a leg amputation, while the other was taken by ground ambulance for treatment of lower body injuries.

Police confirmed the driver of the pickup remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No other injuries were reported. After the crash site was cleared, the remaining monks resumed their walk briefly before stopping for the night.

The Importance of Safety on Texas Roadways

This accident is a sobering reminder of the constant need for vigilance and safety on all Texas roadways. Particularly for pedestrians (and participants in organized walks or charity events), this is an essential part of preventing serious accidents. Drivers must remain alert and mindful of those sharing the road, especially in low-light or high-traffic areas.

Too many times, we’ve seen how one careless moment can change lives forever. Our hearts go out to the monks and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking incident.