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Lucky To Be Alive: Horse Rips Through Van, Flips Another Vehicle (Updated)
June 12, 2009
(Updated) Lucky to be alive — those were the words repeated by emergency personnel Thursday night at the scene of a bizarre accident in Molino where a horse ripped a van apart, caused another vehicle to flip and damaged a third car.
Sandy Swindall, 49, of Pensacola said she really did not know what had happened when she struck a horse with her Dodge Caravan about 10:45 p.m. on Highway 29 near Molino, directly in front of Victory Assembly of God. The horse crashed through the windshield and into the interior of the van before peeling the roof off the vehicle and landing in the middle of northbound Highway 29.
A northbound Ford Focus driven by Mireli Scott, 31, of McDavid, then struck the remains of the horse in the highway, sending the car airborne and flipping it over several times. The vehicle landed upright turned in the opposite direction. A third vehicle, a small Ford car driven by Kaitlin Whitfield, 16, of Molino, also struck the remains of the horse.
Swindall, who said she was “very blessed”, was not injured in the accident. Scott, the driver of the Ford Focus that flipped, was transported in serious condition to Sacred Heart Hospital by LifeFlight. The passenger in the Focus, Linda Batte, 56, of Brewton, was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart in serious condition. Whitfield, the driver of the third vehicle, was not injured.
At last report, Scott was listed in fair condition at Sacred Heart. Batte was treated and released.
None of the three vehicles in the accident collided with the another; they all struck only the horse.
Warning: The following photo gallery is extremely graphic and may be disturbing to some readers. Click here for an exclusive NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene.
The original collision between the horse and the van left an incredible scene — the windshield smashed, the passenger seat bent backwards and the van’s roof peeled all the way to the back of the vehicle. A large amount of horse remains were in the back of the van. Firefighters estimated the horse to have weighed between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Highway Patrol all responded to the accident.
The dark colored horse ran across the northbound lane from the median, according to the FHP. Witnesses said there was a white horse as well. The Florida Highway Patrol is asking that anyone that knows the identity of the horse’s owner call Trooper Brian Wood at (850) 484-5000
Pictured above: A horse ripped through this van in a Molino accident Thursday night. Pictured below: After the horse went through the van, it was hit by this car. The car then flipped. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
70 Responses to “Lucky To Be Alive: Horse Rips Through Van, Flips Another Vehicle (Updated)”
I had a same kind of accident back in 4-23-2008 at 4:00 in the morning. But thank God I was in my work truck, a flat nose one, I hit three horses out side of Whitewater WI. Tell this day 3-25-2011 I can’t work or walk a long distance or left any thing heavy.
But some days you just wish you would have just lost your life, your stuck at home, your 42 you can’t work any more, and your stuck on pills, like my kids tell me you take as many pills as a old person does.
I read allot of the Comments posted here, and I’m sorry about what happened to everyone.
I think the Horse owner got too much blame for the incident, and she probably got affected the worst.
I don’t know what she will do with her life now, since she probably lost a big part of her career, life and a close friend.
She was not even there when it happened, and didn’t know about it till some time after. She didn’t do anything wrongly to cause the accident.
However the drivers (who are not to blame either) were at the scene, and would have at least some better chance of preventing the accident from happening.
It was said that the Driver wasn’t crossing the speed limit (I wouldn’t expect anyone to say that Were crossing the limit).
From the way the car was torn and the horse shredded apart. I would think the car was driving pretty fast.
To also be flipped etc…
I again feel sorry for the horrible experience for everyone.
I wish the best for the future and God’s blessings.
-Andrew
hi,
I haven’t read all of these comments, but I have read most and I can’t believe what I am reading. The only person with a true loss and hurt is the owner of that horse. The lady in the van, yes it is a loss to lose your vehicle that is hard when it is the only one you have, but no one was killed but that horse. All of the families of the people involved in that accident ” ACCIDENT” should be thankful that their loved one wasn’t killed. The young girl who just got her license that is a scary thing to encounter no doubt but at least you have you life and all of your limbs. When the owner wrote her horse was worth more than the van she wasn’t saying your mother wasn’t important and she wasn’t talking about the horse that died she was saying her show horse the one that lived is the one that has a hole in the knee. You can’t blame the owner how many people have livestock that don’t check there back 40 fence we are all guilty it is ok the main thing is TO BE THANKFUL YOUR LOVED ONE IS ALIVE AND WELL and have a little sympathy for the young girl that did loose her horse. material things like vehicles can be replaced, lives CANNOT. Yes they cost money and times are tough,but it doesn’t make it right the way everyone is bad mouthing this girl. im sure she feels bad enough and hurt. This was a very close life threatening accident but remember be THANKFUL your alive and try to stop placing blame, I mean like the one post said what about the little girl that needs $20,000 for kidneys she doesn’t even have one or the woman drunk driver that killed Micheal Steele.
poeple have accidents everyday and babies,adults have health problems if you believe in the man up above then you should have no worries. i think everything happens for a reason it could also be called a reality check. and lets be grateful to still be here. so just think about how your life is going and what may happen to you within the next 24hrs. you dont know no one knows but one person so while everyone is bashing the next on this page just be glad your here today and think about what may happen tomorrow. and thats all i have to say
Why are there so many comments about this “accident”, It seems like nobody cares about the young man killed by the drunken idiot . What about the baby who needs $20.000 for a kidney transplant? Lets take all this time and energy that is used to comment on something that we can’t do anything about, and help raise the money so a beautiful little baby can have a chance at life.Stand up and demand that the laws are changed ,so another low life drunk can’t take your loved ones life away.
Owner:
you’re still responsible.
Good point T. Let’s quit spazzing over the freak accident and pay attention to the one that could have been prevented. Priorities people!
Just something I noticed…this story has gotten more attention than the DUI woman killing a bicyclist.
First, thank God no person was hurt more than they were. God was surely watching over. Secondly, I don’t understand why this comment board has turned into a bashing session. This is in violation of the terms of use. Read right below the bold “Have a comment on this story?” I don’t understand why you last posters are bashing the “here’s your sign” person as they are simply stating exactly what “MeJo” said. Speed limits are posted but are the maximum speed allowed in optimum conditions. Darkness is a factor and, yes, no one says you can’t go slower. Control of your vehicle is your number one responsibility as a driver.
No one is to blame in this TRAGIC accident. It was an accident, they happen in every person’s life. We live and we LEARN.
There is a big differenence in people being able to read, and being able to comprehend what they read.
I agree everyone is hurting and I am thankful for those that are taking this well and offering compassion to everyone traumatized by it all. To those in the silver Focus that flipped (or other vehicles), can you tell us if anyone will be suffering _lifelong_ or long term physical injuries (other than the obvious psychological trauma of course)?
As a person who grew up with horses and has over 20 years experience with them, I can sympathize with the owners somewhat. We lost a horse that was chased through a fence by the neighbors’ highly aggressive dog (which had repeatedly gotten loose) and the horse eventually had to be put down as a result of his injuries. Before that, the horse always respected the boundaries. Also, as common as horse thefts are, there’s no telling how the horses got out. It’s all the unpredictability of life, I suppose.
As a passenger who has miraculously survived a horrendous car accident (at the hands of a driver who was busier pouting about her fiance asking her to put on her seatbelt than to pay attention to an approaching red light), I will never forget the sound of the crash and can sympathize with all the people involved, witnesses included, as well.
Laying blame should not be our job. We should just take a life lesson from all this as best we can. Try to be vigilant when driving, especially at night and high speeds – if you feel it’s too fast for you to react, feel free to slow down a little. Nothing says people can’t go slower. Speed limits are for ideal conditions – good weather and daylight. Poorly lit highways are not ideal – use highbeams when no cars are approaching. Keep our livestock secured as best we can. Wear your seatbelts. Think of how your own actions affect others. Be good. Take care of yourselves and your neighbors.
…and on a lighter note, use good grammar and spelling, please. Some of these posts are so hard to understand. I know it is a very small issue, but it really makes people look nearly illiterate and doesn’t reflect well on the good people of northern Escambia county and surrounding areas.
commenting back to what the last person “annoyed” said. if you were not involved or affected by this accident then stay out of it. the owner’s friend said that the owner is reading these. saying what you said could very possibly have hurt her as well. saying that her spelling and grammer are well below a 19 year old and calling her a child and saying her parents are doing everything for her is most likely a huge understatement. did you take into consideration that she was probably crying as she was writing back to hurtful things people were saying? the person that wrote with the name “heres your sign” writing to Jack’s family was a very heartwarming message and i am sure the owner’s appreciated it. i am sure they do not appreciate calling their daughter a child. so unless you have comfoting words for the family of Jack or for the people in the accident then stay out of this. i am sure the familys would all aprreciate not having more mean things said. this goes back to what mother’s always say. “if you can’t say something nice, dont say anything at all”. this was not to be rude to anyone, just to try to make people see that the hurtful words are most likely seen and it does not make anything better. God bless everyone in the accident
Guys, quit fighting over this. Everyone is ok and that little kid who owned the horse’s parents are going to take care of everything that insurance won’t. If her parents can support her riding they can pay for this. By the way she was writing she may say she was 19 but her grammer and spelling are much younger than that and so are her friend’s. If she’s actually posting on here and letting her friends post ,she’s obviously not old enough to understand the damange she is doing to this whole situation but not keeping quiet. Let’s lay off this child, chalk it up to a freak accident and let her parents take care of this for her. God bless!
Everyone involved in this horrible accident has been threw alot of emotions already… If you haven’t read all of the blogs submitted… You really might out to!!! No one was at fault in this accident… If there had been reaction time I am sure that the horses would not have been hit. When you say “shame on you” please know that we are thinking that about what you have written…. HERE’S YOUR SIGN
HERE’S YOUR SIGN…..
You might be an idiot… if you think someone would actually want to hit an animal and risk their lives!!!!
You might be an idiot… If you haven’t read all of the blogs and gotten a good idea that everyone involved in this horrible accident is hurting!!!
You might be an idiot… If you don’t think before you type and submit a blog!!!!
You might be an idiot… If you type without knowing what the heck you are talking about!!!
You might be an idiot… If you think there was away to prevent an ACCIDENT from happening!!!
You might be an idiot… If you think the horses were just standing in the middle of the road and drivers didn’t have time to see them!!!!
You might be an idiot… If you think the drivers don’t feel bad that a loved and well taken care of animal is dead!!!
You might be an idiot… If you think that a DMV handbook can prepare you for a 1500 pound animal running in front of a vehicle going 65 MPH in a matter of seconds.
And last but not least…
You might be an idiot… If you think there is guilt associated with an accident… Compassion and prayers however yes!!!
People…when you are driving at 65 miles an hour and a horse, or deer, or cow, or anything runs right in front of you, you would not have the time to react like you would be able to do during daylight. We all know that driving at night is altogether different than driving during the day.
It was a horrible accident.
In defence of livestock owners…this is the country, not the city. In the country there is livestock. Even with the best fences animals can get out. We have had cows that jump 4 ft. fences. I am talking about a 4 ft. field fence with barbed wire on top then electric fence on the inside. People with animals are responsible owners and certainly don’t want their animals getting out and possibly hurting someone in vechicles.
So we need to be fair with our comments. Thank God no person was killed. I am a horse lover and am truly sorry that the horse was lost. Think before you hit the submit button and make sure what you are writing is clearly conveying your rational, not emotional thoughts. People are hurt enought as it is. Why pour salt in their wound?
To regards to “Here’s your sign”, since when do horses have headlights or reflectors on them??? It was late at NIGHT on a dark HWY and speed limit is 65 MPH. How in the world can you try to put fault on the drivers. You also stated what if there were ppl in the road…well it would be the jaywalkers fault of course.
I’m thankful the drivers are all safe & are lucky to be alive!!! =)
To “Here’s your sign” apparently you don’t drive. Any animal with the speed of a horse or deer can come out of the tree line and be in front of you before you have time to react no matter how far you are looking ahead or how good or bad a driver you are. It’s happen to me with deer more than once. It’s also very hard to see a dark colored animal on a dark road at night in case you haven’t had the experience before. If your lucky enough to have the experience to hit a deer or other large animal on the road one day, you will see that insurance companies normally settle this type of claim very quickly. They know as any other sensible person that you have no control over a animal in this situation, and all that “licensing stuff” and maintaining control of your vehicle has nothing to do with it at all.
Shame on each and every one of you. God knows what you are saying and feeling. You should ALL feel guilt and sympathy for the killing of Jack. Life is the most precious gift and cannot be replaced. I do agree that “Thank God no HUMAN was killed” but prayers to Jack and his family.
ALL DRIVERS have a responsibility to MAINTAIN CONTROL of their vehicle – that’s what all that licensing stuff you go through to prove that you are competent enough to operate the nicknamed “two ton missile”. Every driver on EVERY road needs to keep aware of what is on the road ahead of them AS WELL AS the sides of the road, etc. Did these drivers not look ahead of them to see a horse? What happens if it was a group of people on the road???
Accidents do happen, that is God’s plan. No one was at fault for these poor equines managing to make it to the road. I’m sure they (as in all horses) were here first before any road. Even the early roads were made by horses (with carriages). Deer and, in the northern states, moose, elk, bears, etc can happen to make it to the road. What are you going to do in that situation? Stop blaming and start learning that you have a heart that was given to you by God. He taught us to love and with that love you grow.
To all the drivers involved: Realize that God could have let it be worse. Praise Him for the gifts that you have been given.
To the new driver: LEARN from this – driving is NOT easy. You have to be CONSTANTLY aware of your surroundings. If you do not believe me, go back to your DMV and ask them. They will GLADLY assist you on learning the responsibilities of a driver.
To Jack’s Family: Jack is on Rainbow Bridge waiting for you and his horsie friends. He was so happy to have you in his life and he thanks you for what you have done to him. His body may not be with you now, but his spirit will be with you forever.
Thanks to everyone that put us in your prayers, I’m the owner and driver of the siver ford focus. I would also like to thank the Medics and everyone else that helped me and my friend from the car. Our blessings to everyone involved in the accident. And once again thank you all for your support.
THANK GOD THAT ALL OF THE ONES THAT WHERE INVOIVED ARE NOT HEART TO BADLY. My sisterinlaw saw the car when it was in the air after hitting the hores. She was in the south bound lanewhen she saw this happen. Even though she was not in it she was still all upset from it. I can understand how the owner of the horses fills about loosing there best firend. I have loost a few pets in my time that where like my best firend. I would like to say that you and your family has my deepest simpthey. But the thing about all this is there is onone that can realy be at fault for it. So everyone that is out there doing all the bashing should set back and thank about it. I know what can happen out in the country since I was rased up in Bratt. You naver know when an animal is going to come out of nowhere and in front of you. Just like deer out in the woods that is there home, So there is onone to blame for theme running out in front of you. So for any & everyone that wants to blame the owner of the horses, Just thank it could happen to you while driving down the road by a wild animal comming out of nowhere. Just thank god that everyone that was invoilved is still able to be with there family today. GOD BLESS ALL!!!!!!!!
Amber, I would like thank you for that respond. We all have been struck by this tragedy.
And yes it is true that the owners came forward. They approached that situation as soon as they were
Aware of it. The reasons are unknown why the familys have not been notified but for the people
Involved, I’d like you all to know that these are very good responsible christians as well, and
They are taking care of the situation at hand. Set your minds and hearts at ease these people
Are good people and take responsibilities for their part in the situation. We are all thankfull that
No one was seriously injured. One life has been takin and that was hard enough. God Bless all.
I do want to apologize for any and all hurtful words that were made towards the horse owner. I am glad you took the time to explain the story fully/clearly because the way I understood it originally a horse was being compared to my mother and other persons involved in the crash needless to say that did bother me very much.
I do realize the importance of your horse Jack, I have watch/witness the death of my own animal in a vehicle accident before and I currently I have a dog Chico that has more clothes than I do! I would be highly devastated if something was to happen to him, especially in the horrific way Jack died.
So, again I hope that you do except my apologies for undermining your horse it was not meant in a hurtful way. More to get a point across that my mother is very much loved and that accident was very emotional to our whole family and we are very grateful she is still part of our lives today. I do wish that I could say the same for Jack.
My mother was very upset that she hit Jack killing him she is a pet lover as well and did not mean anything negative in the comment that she wrote on this site. Her main concern was and still is for the victims and wanting to locate the horse owners.
Also, if you have come forward as the owners and I would like to believe it is true we still haven’t heard anything about it. We do understand that a young girl is hurt due to the loss of a real good friend/pet.
My parents are really very kind and christian people and don’t believe in “suing” however my Dad and I being in the insurance business, are very firm believers in insurance. If the vehicles had crashed threw your fence hitting and killing your horses you would expect our insurance to compensate as well.
As for the deer comment I do understand how you could compare the two. However, please also understand that my mother has had her job that requires her to drive 29 every night for a VERY LONG TIME and that accident has occurred as well and has been paid for out of pocket to replace/repair the vehicle.
Please also understand that my mother was doing the speed limit and was paying attention to the road. If there had been a way to avoid an accident it would have been avoided at all costs. And had she not been an experienced driver the accident could have been ALOT worse than it was and could have caused fatalities.
The comment about charities was taken to heart because my family lost there first and only grandson, son, and nephew a 3 week old baby the end of last year. And our family does support charities.
I just wanted to get things cleared up now that we have been able to see the full picture on your side as well… And I hope you understand that we have NEVER BLAMED you for the horses getting loose…
We have had animals in the past get loose as well. IT HAPPENS! It does not mean that you are an irresponsible pet owner. And we understand the love that you have for a pet companion.
Again, thanks for coming forward if you have and please except my heart felt sympathies for the loss of Jack and the injuries to the other horses.
I will keep all of the human and horse victims in my prayers.
I cannot imagine how scared all involved in that accident must have felt. Nor can I imagine how sad the horse owner must feel. When we take on the responsibility to drive a car we take on the responsibility to not only be responsible for our own actions but to be also driving defensively. Sometimes no matter how responsible we are accidents still happen, that’s where insurance comes into play. As animal and property owners we also are responsible for what our animals do or what occurs on our property once again that’s where insurance comes into play. This was a horrible accident and many lives will be affected forever by it. However, everyone should accept and be accountable for their piece of the fault. Maybe a fence in disrepair, or a distracted driver, or a driver following too closely exceeding the posted speed limit,these are only hypothesis but regardless, no one is without fault, nor is one sole person at fault. Offer forgiveness, be thankful you are alive, file your insurance claims and move on.
we had about 7 cows get loose on 97 about 4 yrs ago, even though my husband is vigilant in keeping the fences checked and secured….VERY thankfully, it ended well, thanks to a kind neighbor, but…our scenario could have easily ended up a tragedy, such as the one on 29……so, “but by the grace of God, go i”….my heart does go out to the owner of the horses that were killed and injured….and, to each of the unsuspecting victims of the three cars involved, God was most definately in control that nite….thank the Lord, for His hand of protection when you needed it most….things will work out.
IT IS REALLY SAD THAT NOBODY PAID ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT MY FRIEND SAID SHE WAS SORRY FOR THE GIRL WITH THE NEW LICENSE. IT IS ALSO SAD THAT NOBODY UNDERSTAND THAT IF SHE IS WILLING TO BLOG THEN SHE OBVIOUSLY ALREADY CLAIMED THE HORSE AS SOON AS REPORTS CAME OUT. IT IS ALSO SAD THAT PEOPLE THINK SHE COMPARED THE HORSE TO THE VAN AND PEOPLE IN THE VAN. IF ANYONE PAID ATTENTION TO DETAIL, THE WOULD SEE THAT SHE SAID THE HORSE WAS WORTH MORE THAN THE VAN. NOT THE PEOPLE. SHE IS FULLY AWARE THAT THE PEOPLE ON HERE ARE BASHING HER AND SHE ALSO HAS BEEN SAYING THAT SHE FEELS BD FOR THE PEOPLE AND IS GLAD THEY ARE OK. ON TOP OF THAT, INSURANCE WILL COVER EVERYTHING. THE PEOPLE WILL GET NEW CARS AND THEY WILL HEEL AND MOVE ON WITH THIER LIFE. SHE HAS TO DDOT HE SAME BUT WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO GET HIM BACK. ALONG WITH WHAT ONE OTHER PERSON SAID, SHE WAS NOT METALLY CONECTED MEANING THAT SHE WOULD NOT KNOW IF SHE WAS ASLEEP THAT HER HORSE GOT OUT AND GOT KILLED. YES IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. NO SHE DID NOT WANT HER HORSE TAKEN FROM HER. SHE HAS BEEN CRYING SINCE 530AM THE DAY AFTER WHEN SHE REALIZED WHAT HAPPEND AND THAT SHE DROVE RIGHT PAST HIM NOT KNOWING WHAT HAPPEND. FOR EVERYONE THAT THINKS SHE DOES NOT FEEL BAD FOR THE PEOPLE, THINK AGAIN. SHE DOES FEEL BAD. VERY BAD. BUT ALSO KNOWS THAT CARS CAN BE REPLACED AND WILL BE REPLACED. SHE CANNOT COMMENT ANYMORE WHICH IS WHY SHE HAS NOT SAID ANYTHING TO WHAT EVERYONE HAS SAID. SHE HAS TO SIT AND READ AND NOT GET TO SAY HER SIDE OF THE STORY.—-TO CLEAR UP ANYTHING THAT IS MISUNDERSTOOD. SHE IS SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO LIVE FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE WITH THIS VISION IN THEIR MIND, SHE ALSO IS SORRY PEOPLE WERE HURT. EVERYTHING IS BEING TAKEN CARE OF. AND YES IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A ONE-EYED HORSE TO BE WORTH ALOT IN A SHOW RING. FOR ANYONE THAT DID NOT KNOW JACK, HE WAS A BEST FRIEND TO THE OWNER’S NIECE WHO IS ONLY 2. HE WAS A HUGE TEDDY BEAR AND WAS AN OUTSTANDING SHOW HORSE. HE HIMSELF WAS WORTH MORE THAN THE VAN. NOT THE PEOPLE IN IT. SHE IS GLAD HER HORSE WAS KILLED RATHER THAN THE PEOPLE HOWEVER IT IS SAD THAT NOBODY CARES ABOUT HER FEELINGS. THAT HORSE WAS HER TRAINERS HORSE THAT SHE GOT OFF A SLAUGHTER TRAILER. THEN MY FRIEND FLEW OUT TO ARIZONA LAST NOVEMBBER TO BRING HIM BACK. HER TRAINER GAVE HIM TO HER. SHE PROMISED HER TRAINER HE WOULD BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF SEEING THAT THE TRAINER HAD HIM FOR 13 YEARS. SHE PROMISED AND NOW HAS TO LIVE WITH KNOWING SHE WONT EVER BE ABLE TO KEEP THAT PROMISE. HE WAS VERY SPECIAL. EVERYONE LOVED HIM.—–SHE (THE OWNER) DOES FEEL VERY BADLY FOR THE PEOPLE AND HOPE THEY AND THEIR FAMILY WILL RECOVER FULLY. THANK GOD NOBODY DIED BUT THE ONE THAT DID DIE IS ONLY GEETTING BASHED AND THE OWNER IS HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE LOSS OF HER HORSE, A HOLE IN HER OTHER’S LEG 5 INCHES DEEP AND KNOWING THAT HER 2 HORSES THAT GOT AWAY ALMOST DIDNT. THEY ARE BACK SAFELY AT HOME AND TRUST AND BELIEVE SHE IS GOING O DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THE GATE WAS NOT OPEN TO LET THE HORSES GO. IT IS NEVER OPENNED AEXCEPT FOR HER TO RIDE ON TRAILS. THE OTHER 2 HORSES ARE NOW IN A DEPRESIION BECAUSE OF THEY FRIEND THEY HAD TO WATCH DIE BRUTALLY. ALL THOSE IN THE ACCIDENT, THE OWNER CANNOT COMMENT ANYMORE TO ANYTHING SO STOP THINKING SHE WILL SAY ANYTHING. THE HORSE OBVIOUSLY WAS CLAIMED BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO BURRY HIM IN HER PASTURE SO HE COULD BE WITH HIS FRIENDS AGAIN. YOU BURY HUSBANDS AND WIFES NEXT TO EACH OTHER AND FAMILYS GET BURRIED TOGETHER BUT HER HORSE IS NOT WITH HIS FAMILY. HE IS IN THE LANDFILL. THE TRASH. HOW WOULD ANYONE FEEL IF THEIR DOG WAS KILLED AND THEN GOT DUMPED INTO THE TRASH AND YOU COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THINK AGAIN BEFORE SAYING THE OWNER IS A BAD OWNER. SO IN ENDING———-THE HORSE WAS CLAIMED AT 6AM THE NEXT DAY. THE CARS WILL BE REPLACED AND HOPEFULLY THIS WONT HAPPEN AGAIN. STOP BASHING THE OWNER SHE ALREADY KNOWS HOW MUCH TROUBLE WAS CAUSED AND DOES FEEL VERY BADLY FOR THE FAMILYS. BUT DID THOSE FAMILYS EVER STOP TO SAY, “WOW I BET THE GIRL THAT OWNED HIM IS IN ALOT OF PAIN KNOWING SHE HAS TO GO TO HER BARN EVERYDAY TO TAKE CARE OF THE OTHER 2 KNOWING THAT THE BIG MAN JACK WONT EVER BE THERE AGAIN. LOOK IN YOUR FRONT YARD AND REALIZE THAT THERE ARE A THOUSAND CARS LIKE YOURS AND CAN BE REPLACED. LOOK AT YOUR PET AND TELL ME THAT YOUR PET CAN BE REPLACED BECAUSE THERE ARE A THOUSAND EXACTLY THE SAME. THATS ALL THERE IS TO SAY. SHE IS SORRY. SHE DOES FEEL BAD. BUT ALSO IS IN AGONY AND PAIN SEEING THE PICTURES OF HER HORSE SPLATTERED IN THE VAN AND ON THE ROAD AND ALSO KNOWING SHE CANNOT BURRY HIM IN HER YARD. SHE HAS TO LIVE KNOWING THAT BIRDS ARE PICKING APART HIS REMAINS.
All i can say is, is that i have wonderful friends and family and more importantly God that came with love to my side when i needed it. I couldn’t have been more appreciative. I’m so loved! Don’t take anything for granted, because the accident made me realize i do.
And to Mrs. Swindall, i thank god your okay. I can’t believe you came out alive and barely hurt if anything. I just remember seeing you and wanting to hug you kinda like i already had a connection to you. IT WAS A MIRACLE! You’re such a sweet lady. Thankyou for being there & supporting me and my sister, also for saying we’re beautiful
Everybody needs to pray for the 2 women in the silver ford focus. They were the unfortunate ones.
And a quick update! Kaitlin’s getting a new car, & we got to dance the night after. so we’re all fine!
Again, thanks to everybody who helped us. God bless.
It amazes me that people on this site actually want to make comments that point fingers at the VICTIMS for wanting owners to take responsibility of the havic their animals caused. And why is it those people that mention “suing” because if we were ALL doing what GOD wants us to do wouldn’t the first thing be to OFFER the victims replacement for property damage and apologies for the physical damage that it caused?
It also amazes me that people on this site can say that we aren’t connected mentally with “animals or humans” because I know I am very mentally attached to my family, and last time I checked emotions were and are very mental.
And YES when a deer hits your vehicle there isn’t ANYONE to sue, HOWEVER it wasn’t a deer. Had it been I am sure that people wouldn’t have any problems having their own vehicles replaced and or repaired.
As for the mentioning that people should donate to charities and not be selfish and want to sue for property damages. How do you know that charities aren’t donated to? And how do you know that the victims in the accident haven’t endured heartache associated with the lose of a human loved one recently? Comments like those can also damage a person emotionally and that is a mental thing.
The horse is a creature and from what I can tell a very loved one at that. No fingers are being “pointed” at the owners for neglect of the animal, however, the owners and their homeowners insurance is responsible for vehicle damage and hospital bills associated with the accident. How is that selfish? Isn’t that why you purchase insurance? Because ACCIDENTS that you are responsible for happen?
I do and always will think GOD that everyONE that was involved in this horrific accident is still alive. However, I can’t think GOD that everyONE WALKED AWAY because in fact there were some that were LIFE FLIGHTED to the hospital. Life Flight means that there were some MAJOR physical damages that occurred to the humans involved in the accident.
So, maybe as a pet owner I would rethink my strategy of making the VICTIMS look bad, selfish, or inconsiderate before I wrote any harsh words. I think there should be some sympathy in your comments as well, which I am yet to hear. So take into consideration that your horses hurt OUR HUMAN FAMILY. And maybe we will take into consideration that our vehicles hurt your horses and the pain that you are having to endure associated with that.
The financial responsibility lies with the owner of the horse plan and simple. They should have liability insurance with their homeowners or propery insurance. Step forward, tell the highway patrol who you are and let you insurance pay. That’s why you pay those premiums. Be glad no one was killed or you could be facing criminal murder charges if the fhp got creative.
That’s terrible, all of them including the horse must have an angel watching over them
If the horse owner has not yet come forward, this would be very easy to investigate do to limited vets in our area. I am from Molino & I can tell you that Dr. Weekley from Northwest Florida Animal Clinic or Dr. Lee from Lee Vet Clinic in Atmore could identify who owns these animals if the information is accurate from the 19 year old girl. If this girl is going to school to be a vet, I’m sure she gets her animals vaccinated and gets coggins for her horses yearly. Also, to post on this site and email address is required. So, I’m sure if this person has not been identified it should be easy enough to investigate.
What an unfortunate accident. As a horse owner, I can imagine how guilty I would feel if one of my animals caused such an accident. I am so sorry for these people who are involved! This must have been very traumatic.
Molino is a very close community so I am sure that someone can easily identify who owns these animals! Do what is right and come forward!!
Needless to say everyone is at a loss in this situation but. Life is still a life regardless it be an animal or a human.
God was watching over all those that were there and uninjurd but once again selfishness over comes. I can simpathize
With the owner, we’re not linked mentally to those that we hold dear either if they’re human or animal. A tragic ACCIDENT happened
Lives should be struck with being thanknful they live another day instead of pointing fingers and taking blame. I’m sure that
Whoever that young lady is made the choice to contact officials you that have been involved have probably not yet been notified and will be soon.
It seems as though most people posting these things are just looking for the person to point the finger at. Its never
Enough that you live another day. The police department will do their jobs and if you’re as selfish as can be I’m sure your
Attorney will do the rest. I’ve seen almost everyone on these blogs to thank God this and thank god that and seems like everyone looks up to
The man, but are you living up to what he wants you to do? Rant and rave and point fingers? And be happy the horse has a owner
So you can “sue”. Technically God made this earth for all his children to live in including the animals. You’ve all lost something
But be happy with what you’ve got, your families to see you another day. The vehicles can be replaced but seeing your horse plastered on someones
Windsheild and remains on the road and have a bunch of so called “God Fearing” people act selfish towards this situation I don’t think
Is very “God” like. Too many angry words, those who can compair the importants of a vehicle to an animal I think I’d rather walk
Than to see my beloved animal dead. Even if the horse only had one eye, sooo does that mean that people that are crippled less
Important? I think a lot of disabaled people has gone above and beyond what any of us can do. I don’t think that the owner wanted
Their horse to be hit or I really doubt the horse wanted to be in your backseat. Unless you’re willing to stay up all night making sure
None of your animals get out then I would just let the officials take care of it, you’ll get your cars and whatever money you decide to suck
Out of these people and you’ll move on to tell another day. But the heartache of loosing a beloved animal can’t be replaced with a brand new vehicle.
I pretty much woke up out of sleep to comment on what i had read earlier tonight.
To the kid thats supposed to be the owner of the horse, I’m glad that if it is you that commented on here earlier. I know this time last night the State Troopers was still trying to figure out who the horse belonged to. If you commented on here then your IP address is stamped some place and it will be easy to find you.
My second comment for the kid is this: If you were so proud of your horses and felt like you needed to brag then you should have been down there right off 29 around 330pm on 12 jun when i was picking up my wife lunch box and looking for her glasses. You could have bragged to me and we could have talked.
As far as the donations and suing and all that crap. Its about this simple, i have insurance on my vehicles if i do something stupid. People have property insurance to make sure that if the things they have on their property do something stupid they are covered. Pretty simple. I know as far as this house is concerened, no one has talked to a lawyer. No point really. Not as long as the insurance companies work it out together.
I SUPPORT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE,
It is evident that you didn’t read “all” the posts, or even mine for that matter.
I didn’t compare the “weight” or “damage” between a deer and a horse. I said, “if it had been a deer, you wouldn’t have anyone to SUE.
Don’t say people are speaking ignorantly, then try to comment on what they said, and end up showing yours!
Again people speaking ignorantly… I don’t see where anyone involved in the accident has requested charity… Just a comment made to build stronger fences OR take up a collection to buy a van!!! DOESNT MEAN THE COLLECTION HAS TO BE FROM A OUTSIDE SOURCE OTHER THAN HORSE AND OR PROPERTY OWNER!!! And for those who say a horse is comparible to a deer… How much does a deer weigh???? NOT 1500 LBS!!! And I haven’t seen many deer tear off van roofs, OR buckle vehicle wheels and flip cars as badly as a 1500 pound horse. As far a getting an attorney is concerned for the most part insurance companies will take care of that on fully covered vehicles… And I am sure the land owner who can afford show horses wont have a problem financing a van. And to the people who want to give to GREAT CHARITIES I also advise that they give to the CHARITIES that research SIDS!!!
I JUST THANK GOD EVERY SECND THAT MY FRIEND IS STILL WITH US TODAY. CAN YOU EVEN TRY TO IMAGINE HOW TRAUMATIZING IT MUST BE TO HAVE A 1500 LB HORSE COME THROUGH YOUR WINDSHIELD AND DEMOLISH YOUR CAR? CAN YOU IMAGINE THE NIGHTMARES SHE WILL PROBABLY HAVE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. AND THEM POOR GIRLS THAT FLIPPED AND HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY LIFEFLIGHT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IM NOT BLAMING THE OWNER OF THE HORSE IM SURE THEY DIDNT SET THE HORSE OUT TO RUN OUT INTO THE ROADWAY. BUT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. HAVE YOU ACTUALLY TOOK THE TIME TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES? ITS TERRIFYING. EVERYTIME I LOOK AT THEM I GET CHILLS UP MY SPINE. I REALLY THINK THAT YOU SHOULD BE WRITING A APOLIGY LETTER TO THEESE VICTOMS INSTEAD OF BEING SO CRUEL. WHAT IF IT HAD BEEN THE OTHER WAY AROUND? WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSES HORSE WOULD HAVE CAME THROUGH YOUR WINDOW? YOU SHOULD REALLY PRAY AND THANK GOD THAT NOONE GOT KILLED AND YOU SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND GO TO THE AUTHORITYS AND ADMIT TO ONING THE ANIMAL. I AM SORY FOR YOUR LOSS BUT MY FRIENDSLIFE IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY ANIMAL. BUILD A BETTER FENCE BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED. TAKEE REPONSIBILITY. I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HS SHOWED THERE CONCERN FOR THE VICTIMS OF THIS TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. GOD WAS RIDING WITH SANDY LAST NIGHT OR SHE WOULDNT BE HERE WITH US TODAY. SHE IS IN ALOT OF PAIN BUT SHE IS GOING TO BE OK. THANK YOU GOD WE LOVE HER AND WE NEED HER IN OUR LIFES
so kait and chloe the 2 sisters someone stated they heard screaming are my best friends, more like my sisters. i understand the pain you have to be feeling about your horse. i understand how it feels to have an animal get out and be killed. my dog got out about 2 years ago and got ran over. it killed me, i cried and eventually moved on. I could understand it if you just left the comment saying how close yall were and such but for you to go and say that its worth way more than the van which contains someones life in there .. thats going way to far. I dont know what i would do if something were to happen to my baby girls! there life is way more important then any animal i ever had. i know thats for sure. im just thanking GOD for the angel he sent to watch over my best friends/sisters. With him taking care of everything no one was hurt.
Hey people,
If anyone has money to donate for a good reason, try this
Benefit Today For Baby That Needs Kidney Transplant, Hadyn Allyssa Brake needs a kidney.
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR LIVES. BE THANKFUL.
STOP BEGGING FOR A NEW RIDE. YOUR GOING TO GET IT WHEN YOU SUE, AND YOU KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO SUE, SO STOP TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SITUATION TRYING TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SORRY FOR YOU.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE LITTLE BABY THAT NEEDS THE KIDNEY, AND THEN I HOPE YOU FEEL ASHAMED FOR ASKING FOR MONEY FOR A RIDE WHEN THIS CHILD NEEDS A KIDNEY.
AND ANYONE WHO HAS MONEY TO DONATE, DONATE IT TO THE BRAKE FAMILY. THEY ARE ASKING FOR HELP TO SAVE THEIR DAUGHTERS LIFE,
NOT FOR A NEW RIDE……………………………………………….
All the people involved probably have already had an attorney contact them, or they have already contacted an attorney. So everyone is going to be ok, maybe even better, after the attorney gets done.
I feel sorry for the horse, but the owners are responsible, PERIOD.
The girl said she is the owner of the horses, but by law the “property owner” is the one who is going to pay.
So the people involved don’t need donations to get a new ride, get an attorney, and get a new ride that way.
Just think, if it had been a “deer” you wouldn’t have anyone to sue.
pg. 2
My Daughter, could not work tonight. Thank God for Her husband, he is right now traveling 29. he finished her job last night. I was on the phone with him when he reached her, saying over and over My God, My God Sandy how did you walk away from all this. Here I sat 386 miles from her and couldn`t help, I talked with her while she was still at the scene , crying and careing about the folks behind her.
Let`s build a strong fence so this wont happen again or lets take up a collection and replace the Van !!!!!
Love Mom
Ok I understand the van is a total loss but the horse owner who ever they are, are responsible for the damaged caused in the accident. SO the van will be replaced and it sounds like the drive, thankfully, is going to be ok. SO how are people’s lives ruined? She will get another vehicle and physically be able to continue to work and support her family. Yes I’m sure Initially there was a lot of confusion as to what was hit people animal or what but upon realizing it was an animal I personally would have been relieved. (Hate it for the horse that’s really sad but not a person). The whole accident is horrible but instead of saying my friends life is ruined I would be thankful she is alive and well and her possession (van) can be replaced. Even the very horse can’t be replaced as it too was a living thing with its own personality and spirit. Once again we are all reminded to kiss our loved ones and tell them we love them before we or they leave you never know when the last time you will see them might be.
As a past horse owner, I can sympathize with the loss of the horse. As a vehicle owner, and parent, I am very thankful that all the people involved came out of this alive. It is hard to replace a beloved animal, but even harder to replace a beloved parent, niece, sister, child, etc. It used to be that stock laws in the state of Fl held the owner of a domestic animal responsible for damages, and I assume that is still so. My point of this post is to remind everyone of the danger of other animals on the roads. In Florida it is not unusual to have a deer dart out into moving traffic and end up through your windshield. I had a friend who experienced this on Quintette Road. Please be careful out there, and drive safely.
Horse owner, my daughter is a good hard working woman. your horse actually hit her van as she was traveling to work. you didnt hear her cries,she at first thought she had ran over some people,she has glass all over her body. Yes your horses count , but so does Sandy, she is special and one of Gods children, and she has a family to support. you can love another horse . I cant love another Sandy she has to work , but you can keep your horses outa the road. not to compare a van, or horse to a humans life, or lively hood. Actualy your horse died around Sandy and it wasn`t easy for her either. She was keeping her horses in her lane.
I appreciate your responce… Since you are truely the administration… can you e-mail me personally… Because I know there should be a way to trace where the comment posted by “the owner” came from… And it needs to be investigated!!!
Unknown — if it says “William, Admin” on this site, it is from William, the publisher of the site, Otherwise it would not be published. If I were not really the admin, how else would I know that you are one of the 2 dozen persons that have already posted below?
William, Admin
Well… “William, Admin” The comment posted from “THE OWNER OF THE HORSE” was Very DISCRIPTIVE and could very well be accurate!!! However MR WILLIAM, ADMIN how do we know you are a credible and reliable source?
I want to point out that while the person below claimed to be the “OWNER OF KILLED HORSE”, that person decided not to use their real name. The person may or may not be the actual owner of the horse. That is the anonymous nature of the Internet. – William, Admin
I am the OLDEST DAUGHTER OF Sandy Swindall THE OWNER OF THE DODGE VAN!!! And I normally don’t respond to ignorance however…. I have been a horse lover since I was old enough to walk… And needless to say I have NEVER in 26 years seen a show horse with ONE EYE that was WORTH MORE than a VAN!!!!!!!
SO, I am sorry you lost your horse in the accident HOWEVER MY MOMMA IS A HUMAN BEING AND IS WORTH WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY MORE MONEY THAN YOUR ONE EYED SHOW HORSE WILL OR EVER WAS WORTH!!!!! Please think before you speak next time because an accident is one thing however speaking ignorantly is VERY UNCALLED FOR!!!!
AND THAT IS ABOUT ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT!!!!
i think that the owner of the horse that ripped through my friends van should be very thankful that my friend did not get killed. nobody knew that your horses would get lose and ruin peoples lives. i think you are inconsiderate saying that your horse was more important than a vehicle. these people dont have a alot of money and a big farm. they have worked very hard all their life to get what they have. and by law you are responsible for all 3 of these vehicles and their injuryies. so before you go bashing people who was innocently driving down the road think about what you say. your mouth can get you in trouble
Thank God all the humans are ok. I’m truely sorry for the loss of a dear friend Jack and hope the other horse makes a full recovery as it sounds like all the humans will. This really sounds like an unforunate ACCIDENT. The horses owner sounds responsible and anyone who has owned horses or other farm animals knows that sometimes they find ways to get out even when you have done your best to keep them in. I think a lot of tempers are flaring over an accident, things happen lets be thankful that no people were seriously hurt. I think it is awful that the county would not allow the owner to claim her animal to dispose of her as she wishes it’s her property. I realize last night something had to be done but today she should have been able to get if possible. I’m not some crazy person that puts animals on the same level as people but I do know they can be dear companions and greatly enrich ours lives.
To the horse owner I am sorry for your loss. I hope your other horse makes a full recovery. You sound like a responsible horse owner and I hope you continue with your education and goals.
Sorry if this is somewhat redundent.
wow.its good nobody was killed. thank God nobody was killed.
The fact of the matter is that someones horses DID somehow escape thier confines. Whether it was by neglect or simply an accidental escape , the horses did get out and onto the roadway. As an animal owner, you are ultimately responsible for keeping your animals contained and the damages caused if they get out.
I can understand the pain of losing a very special animal that was well cared for and loved. But I also understand the several victims in this….they have lost personal property, some have had serious physical injury and will be out of work. They also have to endure the memory of this horrifying experience through absolutely NO fault of thier own. Its just a miracle that no innocent human being was killed….thank God no children were in that van or focus!
Lets just use this incident as a reminder to do all you can to keep your animals confined and if they do get loose, take responisbility for the damages that occur. God bless each of you involved.
YOU KNOW, PEOPLE SHOULD REALLY TRY TO GET THE WHOLE STORY BEFORE GOING OFF AND RUNNING THEIR MOUTH. IF THE WHOLE STORY WAS GIVEN, PEOPLE WOULD NOT SAY THE THINGS THEY SAID, IF ANYONE WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED, PLEASE READ*** I AM THE OWNER OF THE HORSE THAT WAS KILLED. I HAVE 3 HORSES. THEY WERE ALL MINE, IM 19 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN RIDING SINCE I WAS 2 AND BEEN COMPETING SINCE I WAS 6. THE GATE THE HORSES GOT OUT WAS CLOSED AND SECURED AND NOBODY OPENNED IT AND IT WAS DOUBLECHECKED BEFORE ANYONE WENT TO BED. I GOT HOME VERY LATE AND YESTERDAY WAS HURT VERY BADLY BY A HORSE BECAUSE OF FALLING OFF.NOBODDY OPENNED THE GATE TO LET THEM OUT. NOBODY WAS IRRESPONSIBLE IN THIS. SOMETHING HAPPENED TO MAKE THE HORSE EITHER OPEN IT (NOT LIKELY) OR SOMEONE ELSE OPENNES IT. NODOY I KNOW OF WOULD LET THEM OUT. THE HORSE THAT WAS KILLED WAS “JACK”, HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL HORSE AND WAS EXTREMELY WELL TAKEN CARE OF AS WERE THE OTHER 2. JACK WAS A VERY HIGH MAINTENANCE, VERY LOVED ANIMAL. HE WAS MY NIECES’ (2 YEARS OLD) BEST FRIEND. THE OTHER WHITE HORSE WAS A TRAINING HORSE FOR MY FRIEND 2 YOUNG GIRLS THAT I WAS TRAINING. THE BROWN HORSE, WHO BY THE WAY HAD TO GET XRAYS AND HAD TO HAVE *GUARANTEED* MORE PAIN MEDICINE THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE CRASH. SHE WAS MY SHOW HORSE THAT I HAD AND RAISE D AND TRAINED, AND NOW IS 6 ½ YEARS OLD AND WAS IN TRAINING TO GO TO THE OLYMPICS ONE DAY, MY SHOW HORSE MAY NEVER JUMP AGAIN BECAUSE OF THIS. I ACTUALLY PASSED BY THE ACCIDENT LAST THE NIGHT IT HAPPENED AND HAD TO TURN AROUND, HAD NO CLUE WHAT HAPPENED. GOT UP AND WENT SEARCHING FOR HIM AT 5AM BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN I GO FEED THEM (**7 DAYS A WEEK*). MY DAD DROVE DDOWN THE RODE SEARCHING FOR ANY SIGN OF HIM AND WE TRACKED HIS HOOF PRINTS TO THE ROAD TO FIND HIM, MY DAD CAME BACK TO MY HOUSE TO FIND ME ONLY TO REPORT THAT MY VERY SPECIAL HORSE WAS KILLED. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ANIMAL DIE AROUND ME LIKE THIS AND IT IS NOT THE EASIEST THING TO TAKE. YOU THINK IT SUCKS HITTING THE ANIMAL AND WALKING AWAY? THINK ABOUT HOW I FELT WHEN I GOT TO SEE THAT MY BIG 1500LB BEST MAN GOT DRAGGED ACROSS THE ROAD LIKE A POSSUM AND WAS THEN DUMPED INTO THE LANDFILL. I FOUND THAT OUT BECAUSE I TRIED TO GET HIM BACK IN A BOX TO BURRY HIM IN HIS PASTURE WITH HIS 2 GIRLS THAT THANK GOD GOT AWAY. MY SHOW HORSE NOW HAS A HOLE THRU HER KNEW AND MAY NEVER BE ABLE TO DO WHAT SHE LOVES EVER AGAIN. I HOPE THE PEOPLE THAT WROTE ALL THE NASTY WORDS ON HERE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION NEXT TIME WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. AND ALSO TO ADD ONTO THE GIRL THAT JUST GOT HER LICENSE, IM SORRY YOU HAD TO EXPERIENCE THAT. BUT NEXT TIME, TRY TO THINK BEFORE SPEAKING. YOU AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE BASHING ME FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT DO, I HOPE YOU ALL CAN LEARN WHEN TO SAY, “ACCIDENTS HAPPEN”, AND MOVE ON. I HAVE TO MOVE ON WITHOUT MY HORSE, AND ANOTHER HORSE WITH A HOLE IN HER LEG. I THINK IM A LITTLE MORE UPSET THAN ANYONE WORRYING ABOUT A VAN. MY SHOW HORSE IS WORTH MORE THAN A VAN MONEY WISE SO YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH A HUGE LOSS. AND JACK WAS ACTUALLY RESCUED OFF A SLAUGHTER TRAILER. HE ONLY HAD ONE EYE. HE WAS KEPT IN A BUBBLE HIS HOLE LIFE TO BE SAFE. IF ANYONE STILL THINKS THE OWNER IS IRRESPONSIBLE THINK AGAIN WHEN YOU THINK OF ME, I RIDE EVERY MORNING, GO TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY FOR COLLEGE TO BE A VET, AND THEN GO TO WORK TIL 11PM. I DO ALL THAT FOR MY HORSES. STILL THINK THEY ARE UNCARED FOR? THINK AGAIN.
I am the lady that hit the horse initially and by the grace of God was able to walk away….the two ladies in the second car were not as fortunate and the two beautiful teenagers in the third car responded with death hurling screams that I WILL NEVER IN MY LIFE FORGET….it was this young ladies second day ever to drive as a licensed driver.
As far as the other two horses that survived I did witness those horses because they were running in a stamped within 3 to 5 feet from my van after I had stopped and got out of my van they were heading northbound. They crossed in front of me from the center median initially when I first struck the one horse.
If those statements are true about the horses getting loose alot in Molino, I too, think something should be done about it and hopefully if there are any other witnesses that can identify these horses we can better help locate the owner. I know of another lady that was the good samaritan that helped me who was also standing close by when the horses that survived literally almost stampeded us both. Fortunately, I got her name before leaving last night along with the authorities. If anyone can be of help locating the owner of these horses I am requesting you to please contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 850-484-5000. Unfortunately, due to this horse owners irresponsibility I am now out of a vehicle due to having liability coverage only and my family along with these other victims families were almost all facing funeral services for us all after last night. PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN HELP IT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED!!!
God Bless you,
Sandy Swindall
Thank God that everyone survived that terrible accident. The pics from this site are truly gruesome. Please, everyone keep your animals penned. This could have been three people dead instead of three mangled cars. God was watching out for these three people. That is the only reason they are still alive.
To ? ….what does your statement mean exactly?
My husband was in the line of waiting vehicles…..if this had happened a few minutes before it did….it might’ve been him or his co-worker that was also in the line…..both had just worked off the 3-11 shift….his co-worker called him after they each got home,just to check on him!!!! Thanks,Sean……shows that you care!!!
Was the white horse hit, captured, still loose, found?????
as far as i know, no one saw it. and when your going 60 or 65 you dont have enough time to put on the breaks and not hit the horse.
plus, the sherrif’s office could’ve contacted the owners and did something about it. so we can complain whenever we want, especially when family members could have gotten seriously injured or even killed.
k thanks .
i guess no one was looking out for the horse.
Just saw the northescambia.com pictures on Channel 5. That’s cool! All channel 3 had was pictures of flashing lights and cars being put on wreckers. northescambia rocks!
My aunt was one of the witness to the whole thing and we had to come out there and get her even though she was not invovled but just seeing the after math was just awfull. I am just glad to know that everyone has came out alive and and are ok, people really need to keep better watch over there animals I hope they find the owner of the horses
What makes you people think the Sheriff’s Office should be responsible for people putting their animals up. Hello, maybe you should be talking to the owner of the horse or any other loose animals.
Glad everyone is alive the I am tired of people complaining about the Sheriff’s Office.
chloe and kaitlyn . i dont know what i would have done if yall would have gotten hurt but thankfully god was watching over yall .
Hi, I was the driver of the third car who hit.
jesus was watching over us.
people need to put up their animals.
that’s all I can say.
that’s how upset I am about this situation,.
not to mention I just got my license two days ago.
thanks for everyone who helped us and calmed us down.
Me and my sister were in the red car. We’re soo thankful god was looking over us! What are the odds that it happened right in front of a church. It showed me to not take things and people for granted and always wear your seatbelts! I’m keeping those other 2 people in my prayers. Thanks to anybody who helped us. xoxo.
My sister was the driver of the third car in the accident. My question is, why can’t people put up their animals?! I made a call about a month ago to the sheriff
s office because I saw a horse loose in Molino. Something should really be done about this. Thank God everyone is alive but next time people may not be so lucky unless people take responsibility for their animals.
God was looking out for all 3 of them. So thankful everyone is okay.. God Bless!
Wow! I can’t imagine something like that happening to me. I pray all of you will be okay.
I’m so thankful that everyone survived. This was an awful scene. I came up on the accident just after the second car and I was almost the third…. I almost hit the horse myself. It was very dark and people were stopped on the southbound lanes which caught my eye, when I looked back to the road ahead the horse was stretched across the northbound lanes and the second car was just beyond with no lights on. I felt very lucky to be alive as well, and so thankful that I didn’t hit anyone else who was in the road.