MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Michelle Payne riding Lucky Liberty wins Race 6, the Christmas Stakes during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on December 26, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
On early Sunday morning, a semi-truck transporting ten racehorses from Florida to New York hit a concrete median while driving on the New Jersey Turnpike. The truck burst into flames and all ten horses were killed. This all according to authorities.
Horse trainer Christophe Clement issued a statement on Twitter. “This morning we learned from Sallee that a van carrying horses to our barn in NY caught on fire,” he said. “We understand both drivers were admitted to hospital, and that all horses have passed. We are all devastated by the news and heartbroken – we are working to understand what happened.”
The cause of the accident, which took place around 3:00 a.m., is still unknown according to officials. The company that was responsible for the trailer, Sallee Horse Vans, has since issued a statement in which they said that the two drivers tried to save the horses, but were unable to. “While our drivers attempted to rescue the horses, it was not possible. Both drivers have been taken to the hospital, one driver has been released and the other is being treated for smoke inhalation. Two horses escaped, one died outside the van, and the other had to be humanely put to sleep. We are working with the state police to find out the cause, and will stay in touch. We are sorry for what has happened.”
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