A group of Buddhist monks walking from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., on a cross-country peace journey received unexpected help after their escort vehicle was destroyed in a crash in Dayton, Texas.
Several monks were injured Thursday night when a vehicle slammed into the van following them. Dayton police believe the collision was accidental but say the investigation is ongoing.
Four to five monks were hurt, including one critically injured. Authorities said he suffered two broken legs and a concussion but has since come out of surgery and is expected to recover.
READ MORE: Buddhist Monks hit by car in Dayton during peace walk
Osbaldo Durán, a roofing company owner, said he felt compelled to help after hearing about the crash.
“I saw that and I was like, ‘No, they need some help. We gotta help them. They’re walking for us — why can we not put something for them?’” Durán said.
On Friday, Durán took the day off work to deliver a replacement escort vehicle to the monks — fully paid for, insured and outfitted with safety upgrades.
Durán prepared the vehicle himself, adding new tires, filling the tank and installing lights.
KPRC 2 cameras captured the monks — some walking without shoes — accompanied by the dog traveling with them as Durán brought the vehicle to the Dayton Fire Department, where the group gathered.
“Me doing this for y’all is nothing,” Durán said. “If I can give y’all something back, it’s giving y’all a vehicle to continue going to your destination.”
The monks plan to remain at the Dayton Fire Station for two nights. They expect to resume their walk around 6 a.m. Saturday as they continue toward Louisiana.
Their journey to Washington, D.C., is expected to take about 100 days.