At about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday emergency services were called to rescue the drivers and horses on a trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike after it burst into flames.
According to multiple reports, the horses were owned by top trainer Christophe Clement who announced the terrible tragedy on his Twitter account Sunday morning. The horses were being transported from Florida to Clemente’s stable in New York and were being transported by a Sallee van.
“This morning we learned from Sallee that a van carrying horses to our barn in NY caught on fire,” Clement tweeted. “We understand both drivers were admitted to hospitals, and that all horses have passed. We are all devastated by the news and heartbroken – we are working to understand what happened.”
By the time rescuers arrived, the drivers had been trying to rescue the horses in the truck. Two of the horses were able to be led away from the fire however neither survived. One horse died outside of the van, and the other horse had to be humanely euthanized.
Both drivers were rushed to the hospital; one man has been released and the other driver is being treated for smoke inhalation.
Clement gained fame after his horse Tonalist won the 2014 Belmont Stakes.
The tragedy is under investigation. Rest in peace beautiful horses. Multiple sources have stated the van was traveling north on the turnpike when it struck a concrete divider.
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WHERE ARE THE DETAILS ON HOW THE FIRE STARTED?! I AM SURE THERE IS A LOT MORE TO THE STORY!
Beyond tragic…… If my precious horse babies died, I would have a hysterical nervous breakdown…….
Those poor precious horse babies……. I know you all are in Heaven. Please look for Sailor (a gorgeous bay gelding). He will show all of you the best grazing areas and most scenic trails in Heaven!!!
Very sorry for the horses, not for the businesses that treat these beautiful animals as disposable slaves.
Time to retire – humans, horses & grubby gambling.