Horse dies, two motorists in Kettering hospital after crash closes A6 in Northamptonshire

One horse was killed and two motorists rushed to hospital in Kettering after a horrific two-vehicle crash which closed part of the A6 in Northamptonshire early today (Monday).

The stray animal was seriously injured and had to be put down after colliding with a van near Desborough.

Another distressed stray horse also found lying injured in the road is being assessed and treated by a local vet.

The devastating accident, which also involved a second vehicle, happened at about 5.30am.

Police from Leicestershire and Northamptonshire raced to the scene along with firefighters and paramedics as the smash sparked a full-scale 999 emergency service operation.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident which also triggered major rush-hour traffic congestion as the busy A6 was shut for more than three hours in both directions between the A576 Braybrooke Road junction and Market Harborough. At least 15 firefighters were backed up by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue's specialist large animal rescue team..

Thousands of morning rush-hour motorists were hit as a three-mile stretch of the A6 between the A576 and A4304 roundabout was closed.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called at 5.30am this morning (2 March) to a report of a number of injured horses on the A6 at Market Harborough, towards Desborough.

“On arrival it was found that two horses were lying injured in the road.

“A road traffic collision had also occurred, involving two vehicles – a van and a car – but it’s unclear as to whether either vehicle collided with the horses or not. An investigation is being carried out into the circumstances.”

An East Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said two casualties were taken to Kettering General Hospital.

He said: “We received a call at 5.35am reporting that there had been a road traffic collision.

“We sent a paramedic in a fast response car and two road ambulances. Two patients were taken to Kettering General Hospital via road ambulances.”