A traffic collision outside Houston injured some Buddhist monks late Nov. 19 during the group’s walk to the nation’s capital for peace.
Two monks were hospitalized Wednesday evening after a truck driver struck an escort vehicle accompanying the group, pushing the car into the monks walking along the shoulder of U.S. Route 90, according to ABC13.
One monk “suffered serious leg injuries” and was taken to a hospital by helicopter while another monk with “less severe injuries” was transported by ambulance, authorities told the station. The truck driver was not injured and is “fully cooperating with investigators,” legal authorities told the station.
One of the monks injured underwent surgery and is “in recovery and under close medical care,” according to a statement issued Thursday morning from the Walk for Peace Facebook page. The remaining monks “sustained minor injuries” and “with resilience and determination, will continue the Walk for Peace journey as planned,” according to the update.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for the compassion, prayers, and warm wishes sent from communities across the country and around the world. Your support brings strength and comfort to the Sangha during this difficult moment,” the statement read.
The monks are part of a Fort Worth Buddhist temple’s Walk for Peace. More than a dozen members embarked on a 2,300-mile journey to the nation’s capital in October, with other monks across the country expected to join them along the way.
In a video posted by the group, one of the members on the walk said the monk undergoing surgery will need time to heal but he is in “good spirits” and “giving thumbs up.”
The Fort Worth Report could not immediately reach Long Si Dong, the government liaison and press coordinator listed as the contact in the Walk for Peace statement.
The 110-day expedition is meant to be “a journey to bring blessings to countless lives in a world filled with uncertainty and restlessness,” Tue Nhan Bhikkhu, the vice president of the temple, said during an Oct. 19 press conference.
The group is set to traverse 10 states along their route, stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks and in local communities to share their message and invite people to join them in moments of reflection and prayer.
Since their departure from Fort Worth, drivers and Texas residents have shared sightings or encounters with the monks on social video. The official Walk for Peace USA TikTok account has amassed nearly 50,000 followers.
The group has a live Google map, where people can track the monks’ journey along the way.
The monks were walking along the eastbound shoulder of U.S. Route 90 near State Highway 99 in Liberty County near Dayton, Texas, according to ABC13. An escort car with hazard lights was following the group. The monks were en route to Louisiana’s Capitol from Houston.
The Walk for Peace group was in Austin, where they received an “Austin Walk for Peace Day” proclamation from the city, according to a Nov. 9 Facebook post. It was the monks’ first capitol stop since departing from Fort Worth.
The group asked in the statement for continued prayers for the monk undergoing surgery, adding that additional updates would be shared “as soon as verified information becomes available.”
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
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Great Job Marissa Greene & the Team @ Fort Worth Report for sharing this story.
