Late on Sunday evening, officers swiftly responded to distressing reports of horses running loose on the A36, a major road. The incident, which occurred around 11 pm on Sunday, led to a catastrophic road traffic collision involving three horses and a car.
Regrettably, the collision resulted in the immediate loss of three of the horses' lives. The impact was devastating for both the animals and the driver of the vehicle. The driver sustained minor injuries and was immediately transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
In light of the incident, authorities promptly closed the affected stretch of the A36, between Stapleford and Steeple Langford, for several hours. Emergency services diligently worked at the scene, attending to the aftermath of the collision and ensuring the safety of all those involved.
During the response, the diligent efforts of the emergency services successfully located and secured another horse that had strayed from the group. The animal was safely contained while the owners were promptly contacted.
In light of this distressing incident, law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any potential hazards or suspicious activities that could endanger road users. Individuals are encouraged to contact the authorities via the non-emergency number, 101, or in emergency situations, dial 999.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue, authorities aim to determine the cause of the horses' escape onto the A36, seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future. This unfortunate event serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the need for increased precautions to ensure the safety of both humans and animals on our roads.