Semi on Hwy. 97 in Sherman Co. hits, kills 4 horses, 2 mules

Four horses and two mules standing in the middle of Highway 97 were struck and killed by a semi-truck hauling potatoes in Sherman County early Friday morning, Oregon State Police reported.

Around 4:35 a.m., troopers responded to the reported crash scene near milepost 25, about four miles north of Grass Valley said OSP Lt. Cari Boyd.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2012 Peterbilt tractor-trailer was loaded with potatoes and traveling southbound when it collided with six animals that were in the middle of the highway, Boyd said.

The truck driver, Kory Kock, 33, of Grass Valley, was not injured. The tractor sustained extensive front-end damage but the trailer was not damaged.

The owners of the animals were notified and Highway 97 was temporarily blocked while the horses were recovered. ODOT reported all animals were removed and all lanes were opened. before 7:30 a.m.

The animals were pastured east of the highway and had to walk several miles to get to the highway, Boyd said. It is unknown how they got out of the pasture. This portion of the highway is not considered open range.

There was no enforcement action taken on the truck driver or the owners of the animals.