Unconfirmed stories are surfacing that a truck traveling in the opposite direction lost control and went over the jersey barrier dividing traffic causing it to hit a Brook Ledge van full of horses.
Redlands Animal Control Personnel are currently on scene helping handle and assist in treatment. 3 of the 7 horses on board were injured. Injuries range from mild to severe. None of the horses have been euthanized. Horse can be seen patiently waiting to be extracted as a new Brook Ledge van waits to board them and transport them.
This story is developing, and we will update as information becomes available.
Update 1/11/17 7:30 p.m. EST
The van was carrying 7 horses from Aleron Training Stables to the Thermal circuit. Aleron is quoted as saying one horse had to be hospitalized, and the rest were carried to their final destination at the Thermal show grounds. An article in The Press Enterprise explained that the accident occurred when another tractor trailer traveling in the same direction as the Brook Ledge Van in the passing lane lost control. The driver swerved and hit the center divider, and came back across traffic to the slow lane, where the Brooke Ledge van was traveling. The vehicle then side swiped the side of the Brook Ledge van tearing a large hole into the side of the trailer. The Press-Enterprise further reiterates that none of the horses had to be euthanized.
Brook Ledge also released a statement crediting the driver of their van for his steady hand and good thinking while maintaining control of the van to keep the horses safe. The tractor trailer that collided with the horse transport was attempting to pass the Brook Ledge van at the time the incident occurred. Brook Ledge went on to post a video of the Redland County animal control officers assisting with the grey horse shown in the video above as well as showing more damage done to the van.
