{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

Horses killed in horrific accident on A303


  • Three horses died in a collision between a horse lorry and another HGV on the A303 near Thruxton in Hampshire yesterday (23 July).

    Animal rescue specialists and fire crews from the Hampshire fire service managed to rescue 7 horses from the wreckage after the accident occured on the eastbound carriageway just before 4pm.

    The lorry, which was believed to be carrying polo ponies, was turned onto its side.

    A303crash2Animal rescue specialists worked with vets to sedate the horses before removing them one by one from the overturned vehicle.

    One horse was killed in the intial collision and a further 2 had to put down at the scene.

    Animal rescue specialist Jim Green, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This was one of the most difficult and challenging animal rescues we have been called to.

    “Generally we get called to deal with the rescue of 1 animal so to deal with 10 horses in one incident was significant.

    “We quickly put a plan in place and our crews managed to cut away part of the back door of the trailer. We were able to corral each of the animals out of the trailer and triage them as they exited.”

    The drivers of the 2 lorries were not seriously harmed in the incident. A303crash3

    The westbound carriageway re-opened later yesterday evening (23 July ) but the eastbound road remained closed overnight between Thruxton village and Sarsen and only reopened this morning (24 July).

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout major shows like London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...