Tractor trailer strikes, kills horse; two children in buggy hurt

5 years ago

SMYRNA, Maine — Two children suffered minor injuries Wednesday when a tractor trailer struck the horse drawn buggy in which they were riding in Smyrna.

Sgt. Chad Fuller of the Maine State Police reported Thursday that the crash happened just after 3 p.m. on  U.S. Route 2 in Smyrna.

A 12-year old boy was at the reins with six other youths in the buggy on Route 2 at about 3 p.m. when he “entered the roadway directly into the path” of a 2014 Western Star tractor trailer, according to the Maine State Police.

MSP Sgt. Chad Fuller reported in a press release issued Thursday morning that the truck driver, Nicholas Beaulieu, 37, of Island Falls, did not have time to stop and struck the buggy, killing the horse.The buggy was redirected to the southern side of the roadway.

Two of the children in the buggy suffered minor injuries, according to Fuller.

Police said speed was not a factor in the crash. No further information was immediately available.