'Just a freak accident': Multiple horses killed in Kenosha County crash

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Multiple horses are dead following a crash in Kenosha County early Monday, Dec. 22. 

The incident happened just before 4:15 a.m., near the intersection of County Trunk Highway WG and County Trunk Highway MB.

According to police, a 67-year-old Illinois man was traveling eastbound in a pickup truck when the crash occurred.

Officials say horses belonging to a local resident -- who owns approximately 28 horses -- escaped from a fenced enclosure on the property and entered the roadway prior to the crash. 

Five horses died at the scene and a sixth was humanely euthanized due to injuries sustained. 

Mike Wendricks owns State Line Honey and lives about a mile down the road from where the horses were killed.

"This is just a freak accident," Wendricks said. "You got 20-30 horses at a farm, deer, coyotes, things running around, something must have spooked those horses."

Wendricks says he's seen multiple animals hit along County Truck Highway WG, but nothing like this. 

"Four in the morning, in the winter, muggy, not super bright out, it's hard to see, people clip deer all the time," Wendricks said. "The last couple years, I think everyone has tagged a deer in front of our place at least once."

Citations related to the animals remain pending, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office. 

The sheriff's office says they believe speed did not play in a factor in the crash. 

“This was a tragic incident for everyone involved," said Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner. "We are grateful that the driver was not injured, and our thoughts are with the horse owners following this significant loss. Rural roadways can present unexpected hazards, especially in low-visibility conditions. Our deputies responded quickly to secure the scene and protect the public, and the investigation will continue to ensure all factors are appropriately addressed.”