Three thoroughbred horses killed when big rig collides with Kentucky bridge embankment

Multiple agencies in Kentucky responded on Monday to a major collision involving a semi truck hauling thoroughbred horses.

The crash occurred shortly before 5 a.m. on March 25 in Bardstown, Kentucky.

According to the Bardstown Police Department (BPD), officers responded to Bluegrass Parkway at Exit 25 for a reported single vehicle crash.

BPD said that a semi truck hauling seven thoroughbred horses was traveling eastbound towards Lexington when the truck crossed over the median into the westbound lanes, striking the embankment of an overpass.

“The force of the impact sheared the 5th wheel hitch allowing the trailer to crush the cab of the truck,” said Nelson County KY Emergency Management.

The truck driver suffered a severe foot laceration and was transported to a hospital. The driver is stable and expected to survive.

Three of the horses died at the scene.

The estimated cost of the loss of the horses is $450,000.

Firefighters and veterinarians at the scene were able to extricate the remaining four horses one at a time through the rear of the transport trailer.

The surviving horses were transported by equine ambulance for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The horses were being transported from from Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans, Louisiana to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.