Two Horses Died Following Westford Barn Collapse

WESTFORD (CBS) – Two horses died in a Westford barn collapse Friday morning, officials say.

A collapse was reported Friday just before 11 a.m. on Durkee Lane in Westford at Bobby's Ranch.

A scared horse running loose alerted those nearby to the problem.

The Westford Fire Department said multiple horses were trapped beneath a large structure that nearly completely collapsed under the weight of snow.

For five hours, rescue crews and volunteers worked to free horses trapped under sheet metal and snow, WBZ-TV's Katie Brace reports.

The horses were sedated so they wouldn't make sudden movements and heat was pumped into the small space.

Five of the seven horses were rescued.

Firefighters cleared the scene at about 3:30 p.m. It was determined that the final two horses inside the collapsed structure did not survive.

Bobby's Ranch is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1972, according to its website.

The five horses injured in a barn collapse were recovering at neighboring stables late Friday night. Most of the injuries are wounds that needed stitches.

Vets treated the horses in the main barn at the ranch into the evening.

Many of those helping were strangers like vet Suzanne Loheac of Backstretch Veterinary in Groveland.

"We heard through different channels something happened here, so we just figured we'd offer to help," she said.

The help of strangers who rushed to save the horses and treat them also helped Bob Haigh's family deal with the tragedy.

"A vet that I never met just pulled out. My regular vet has been here all day. It's just beautiful," he said.

"There were so many people here. I am so thankful. I am going to cry again."

In:
• Ken MacLeod