Two horses were killed late Friday night when they were hit by a vehicle during snowy conditions in the area of 120 Bethel Road in West Paris.

Oxford County Animal Control Officer Brandon Holmes, the West Paris Fire Department and Oxford County Sheriff’s Office all responded to an 11 p.m. call made to the Oxford County Regional Communications Center in Paris.

One vehicle hit the two horses and a second vehicle slid off the road into a ditch trying to avoid the scene.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived one horse was dead and the second had to be euthanized. They observed a third horse leaving the road for a driveway where other loose horses were gathered, officials said.

“This was a serious accident that happened under terrible road conditions,” Holmes said. “Especially on rural roads, drivers should be cautious and aware of risks.”

The horses’ owners arrived on the scene and accounted for all the remaining horses, which were safely secured, Holmes said.

“Gates can also be compromised during storms, so it’s important to be vigilant in checking that livestock gates are safely latched and shelters secured, especially during poor weather,” he said.

The vehicle that hit the animals was totaled and had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the second car was able to drive away once their car was pulled back onto the road. 

Holmes did not release the names of the horses’ owners or the drivers of the vehicles.

It took fire department crews about an hour to clear the scene and reopen the road.

West Paris Fire Chief Mike Henderson said Monday morning that ambulances were dispatched to the crash Friday, but the occupants of the vehicles declined medical attention.