May 24, 2010.  A truck hauling a horse trailer veered off north bound Highway 71 near South Lebanon, Ohio, then plowed through a ditch and collided with a tree.  There were five passengers in the truck; three of them were taken to local hospitals and two others with serious injuries were airlifted to hospitals outside the area.  

During the accident, the trailer detached from the truck.  It ended up on an embankment and it took quite a while to free the horses which had tried to kick their way out of the trailer.  They were eventually tranquilized.  

Once the horses were freed, they were loaded on another trailer and taken to a local Horse Society where they will be cared for.  They suffered some minor injuries, but should recover.

Authorities will investigate the causes of the accident.  Drugs or alcohol are not suspected, but speed may have been a factor.  The highway was re-opened after about two and a half hours.

UPDATE:  The cause of the accident was a blow-out on the left front tire.  

The horses are at an area veterinary clinic recovering.  

Two of the five people injured in the accident are in serious condition, two were treated for minor injuries and there is no word on the condition of the fifth person.

  

A dog was also hurt in the accident, but there is no information on the extent of injuries.