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Dozens Injured and One Killed in Parade Horse Carriage Accident in Iowa
Sources: Various
Dozens of spectators at a 4th of July parade in the town of Bellevue, Iowa were injured when a team of horses flew out of control when part of the bridle broke and the driver was unable to stop them.
The Steines family had driven their horses in the Bellevue Heritage Parade many times before. As the family, consisting of Mardell Steines who was driving the carriage, his wife Janet and two children, were waiting to start, one of the horses somehow dislodged its bridle, and the horses started trotting down the road.
Mr. Steins and the two children were thrown out of the carriage as the horses picked up speed, passing other parade entries. Then, as bystanders attempted to catch the horses, the animals completely panicked and took off at a full-out gallop. Mrs. Steins was still in the carriage, but was being thrown around violently and was unable to stop them.
After a gap had developed in the parade entries, spectators were shocked when the horses and carriage came flying down the street toward them. Most of the crowd sitting closest to the street were children who were trying to catch candy which was being thrown from some of the floats.
With just fractions of a second to react, some people were able to pull children out of the path, but at least 13 children were among the 23 people hospitalized after they were either trampled by the horses or hit by the carriage. Mrs. Steins was thrown out of the carriage after it hit a road sign. She was taken to the hospital, but eventually died from her injuries.
The horses eventually were separated from the carriage. Reports differed on their condition, but they apparently ran into some parked vehicles and went down.
Dozens of spectators at a 4th of July parade in the town of Bellevue, Iowa were injured when a team of horses flew out of control when part of the bridle broke and the driver was unable to stop them.
The Steines family had driven their horses in the Bellevue Heritage Parade many times before. As the family, consisting of Mardell Steines who was driving the carriage, his wife Janet and two children, were waiting to start, one of the horses somehow dislodged its bridle, and the horses started trotting down the road.
Mr. Steins and the two children were thrown out of the carriage as the horses picked up speed, passing other parade entries. Then, as bystanders attempted to catch the horses, the animals completely panicked and took off at a full-out gallop. Mrs. Steins was still in the carriage, but was being thrown around violently and was unable to stop them.
After a gap had developed in the parade entries, spectators were shocked when the horses and carriage came flying down the street toward them. Most of the crowd sitting closest to the street were children who were trying to catch candy which was being thrown from some of the floats.
With just fractions of a second to react, some people were able to pull children out of the path, but at least 13 children were among the 23 people hospitalized after they were either trampled by the horses or hit by the carriage. Mrs. Steins was thrown out of the carriage after it hit a road sign. She was taken to the hospital, but eventually died from her injuries.
The horses eventually were separated from the carriage. Reports differed on their condition, but they apparently ran into some parked vehicles and went down.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Helen Marioncu on
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This is a horrific story. Another reason why children should never sit down on the curb at a parade. And it's not just horses that can lose control, antique vehicles too. So sad that someone had to die to prove this point.
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Permalink Reply by Shirley on
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How horrible!
What do you mean the horses went down?
Such a fun day turned so bad... -
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Permalink Reply by KatyM., Community News on
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From the different reports I pieced together, the horses wrapped the carriage around a sign and once loose from that, they tried to run between a van or truck and a trailer at which point they slid or fell to the ground. Again, there wasn't much information on the condition of the horses at this point, but at a minimum, they suffered lots of bumps and bruises and most likely, they had some more serious injuries. I will check a little later and see what I can find out.
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How important that we all remember to double check all of our equipment each time we do something with our horses. A loose strap, a loose Chicago screw, a broken or worn piece of leather. a loose girth etc. can lead to catastrophe. I know I take my tack for granite too often.
There is so much involved here beside all the pain, sadness, and even death of at least one person. There will be so much legal hassle. I hope the right people have some insurance. Which again can serve as a reminder to all of us that we might want to take out some insurance to cover accidents with our horses.
So sad that people start out in a festive mood and it end for some with such tragedy. I doubt it will stop curbside candy throwing but I'm sure it will cause some parents to be more aware of how bad things can go. I'm not suggesting that anyone become a dooms-dayer....just a little cautious. -
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