Wis. Sheriff: Van Broadsides Horse & Carriage, 9 Injured

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Nine occupants of a horse and carriage have been injured in a western Wisconsin crash Wednesday, according to the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office says it received a report on June 10 at around 9:30 p.m. of a crash between the van and horse and carriage on the 27000 block of CTH F in the town of Sampson, Wisconsin. The call reported that nine occupants of the carriage had all suffered various degrees and types of injures, with some ejected from the carriage.

Upon arrival, emergency responders learned that the horse and carriage was traveling northbound on CTH F and was not readily visible to the driver of the van prior to the crash, according to neighborhood witnesses. It's believed a van was exiting a driveway from a residence on the east side of CTH F and struck the carriage on the passenger side behind the horse.

The collision caused the horse to be separated from the carriage, which was overturned, and some occupants were ejected.

A 2-month-old infant and the mother were both taken by separate helicopters to Health Partners – Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their conditions are currently unknown.

The driver of the carriage suffered minor injuries and refused treatment on scene, the sheriff's office said.

The horse and van occupants are not believed to be injured. The crash remains under investigation.