Horse drawn coach crashes en route to Williams Lake

Jun 28, 2017 | 2:42 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Six people were injured when the horse drawn coach they were in crashed yesterday en route from Alexis Creek to Williams Lake.

The First Nations youth wagon trip was resting near Farwell Canyon yesterday afternoon, and witnesses report one of the horses got spooked, causing the coach to careen down an embankment.

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of North District RCMP says six people were injured, including several who needed to be treated in hospital.

Saunderson says one of the horses had to be put down on site.

“Sadly, one of the two horses involved in this crash had to be put down at the scene. The owner of the horse was one of the individuals (involved), and gave permission to the RCMP to put the horse down as the injuries were too severe to the horse,” said Saunderson. 

Saunderson notes, though this incident is unique, police are tasked with helping at crash sites down embankments on a regular basis.

“The RCMP were out there assisting the emergency services personnel with the rescue of the individuals involved. Certainly, at this point there is nothing criminal with respect to this crash.”

According to reports, a healing circle was organized Tuesday evening for those involved.