EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ – A tractor trailer crash on the New Jersey Turnpike Sunday morning killed ten racehorses, CNN reports.
Police say the truck struck the center divider near East Windsor Township at about 3 a.m. and caught fire. The vehicle was transporting the horses from Florida and was headed to Saratoga Springs, New York, according to West Point Thoroughbreds CEO and President Terry Finley. The horses were being brought to the stables of racehorse trainer Christophe Clement.
Two of the fillies who died, Under the Oaks and Hot Mist, were owned by West Point Thoroughbreds. Under the Oaks was sired by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh, and Hot Mist was sired by 2014 Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist.
The driver of the trailer and a passenger were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries. Nine of the horses died from their injuries, while a tenth was euthanized at the scene. The horses had been spending the winter in Florida.
The crash is under investigation but Finley said it appears to have been “a tragic, tragic accident”. Clement said on Twitter that he was devastated and heartbroken by the news.
The trailer was owned and operated by Sallee Horse Vans, according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn.
The New Jersey truck accident attorneys of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers provide these blog posts to keep our neighbors informed about collisions and accidents across the Garden State. They should not be construed as legal advice. However, if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and someone else is at fault, we would like to discuss your case with you. Contact us today to begin a free, no-obligation consultation.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : November 29, 2021