A Swiss Army horse escaped its enclosure and collided with a delivery van on the Grauholzstrasse in Schönbühl, canton Bern, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident left the horse unable to stand and sent the van driver to the hospital.
Key Takeaways
- An army horse jumped onto Grauholzstrasse in Schönbühl.
- The horse collided with a delivery van.
- The van driver sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
- The horse was unable to stand after the crash; its condition remains unknown.
Details of the Collision in Schönbühl
The accident occurred when the army horse, which had been on a fenced pasture, suddenly ran onto the busy Grauholzstrasse. A delivery van traveling on the road then struck the animal. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle and left the horse severely injured.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. The Bern Cantonal Police confirmed the details of the collision. They reported that the delivery van veered off the road following the crash.
Incident Snapshot
- Location: Grauholzstrasse, Schönbühl BE
- Date: Wednesday afternoon
- Involved: One Swiss Army horse, one delivery van
- Outcome: Van driver hospitalized, horse unable to stand
Driver Hospitalized, Horse's Condition Unknown
The driver of the delivery van required immediate medical attention. Paramedics transported the injured driver by ambulance to a nearby hospital. There is no current information on the extent of the driver's injuries.
Eyewitnesses described the scene. A news-scout present at the time stated,
"The horse could not get up afterwards."This eyewitness also noted the significant damage to the side of the delivery van, indicating the force of the collision.
Background on Army Horses
The Swiss Army maintains a contingent of horses for various duties, including ceremonial events, logistics in difficult terrain, and training. These animals are typically kept in secure facilities and pastures, undergoing regular training and care. Incidents of army horses escaping their enclosures are rare, making this event particularly unusual.
Road Closure and Ongoing Investigation
Following the incident, authorities temporarily closed the Grauholzstrasse to manage the scene and facilitate emergency operations. This closure caused some disruption to local traffic. Police secured the area as they began their investigation into how the horse managed to escape its pasture.
The Bern Cantonal Police have not yet released definitive information regarding the horse's condition. They could not confirm if the animal would survive its injuries. The focus remains on understanding the full circumstances leading to the horse's escape and subsequent collision.
Impact on Local Community and Army Protocols
This unusual accident has drawn attention from the local community. Residents express concern for both the injured driver and the army horse. The incident also raises questions about the security protocols for army animals kept in pastures near public roads.
Authorities will likely review these protocols as part of their investigation. Ensuring public safety and animal welfare are paramount in areas where army facilities are close to civilian infrastructure. The outcome of the investigation will provide clarity on any necessary adjustments to current procedures.
- The accident highlights the potential dangers when animals stray onto public roads.
- Investigations will look into the integrity of the pasture's fencing.
- The Swiss Army maintains strict guidelines for animal care and security.
Further updates will be provided as the police investigation progresses and more details become available about the condition of both the driver and the horse.