Loose Horses on I-49 Cause Chain Reaction of Accidents in Bentonville

Police officers from Bentonville and Bella Vista responded to four accidents on I-49 yesterday alongside state troopers; the collisions were due to a group of horses that had gotten free along the interstate, causing a chain reaction of accidents among motorists in the area.

Arkansas State Police say that at least one vehicle crashed as a direct result of the horses running wild; three other collisions happened as a result of the slowed traffic the first accident caused.

Authorities say that Bentonville and Bella Vista officials responded in time to witness a person attempting to corral about five or six horses, but the animals could not be contained. They ran away, up over a nearby hill, but the first accident had already occurred.

Troopers and local police say that one of the chain-reaction crashes involved a multiple-vehicle crash that sent two people to Mercy Hospital in Rogers for treatment.

According to authorities, a Honda Pilot, driven by a 17-year-old male, struck another car in the rear near Exit 93 on I-49, beginning a domino effect that ended in the three-car pileup. The 17-year-old driver was issued a citation for careless prohibited driving.

No further information was available as to the status of those transported to Mercy Hospital. Oliver Law Firm will report on any additional information as it becomes available.