Usually when one thinks of a motor vehicle accident he or she assumes that it involves two automobiles. This is not always the case, especially for those living in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania in areas where Amish communities are located. In these areas it is not uncommon to see a car followed by a horse and buggy since they share the road.

A motor vehicle accident involving an ambulance and a horse and buggy occurred earlier this week in East Mahoning Township. While no humans involved in the earlier morning accident were injured, unfortunately, the horse pulling the buggy had to be euthanized because of its injuries. The collision caused the animal to hit the windshield of the ambulance.

It is fortunate that none of the humans involved in the accident were hurt. It is not uncommon for those involved in car accidents to sustain injuries such as whiplash and broken bones. In more serious cases brain and spinal injuries may occur. Sometimes the end result is death.

The police believe the accident may have been a result of the buggy driver either falling asleep or becoming distracted. Whatever it was could have caused the horse to follow its instincts and essentially turn right into the rescue vehicle. At the time the ambulance was headed in the opposite direction of the horse and buggy.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident thought the crash is currently under investigation. Whether any charges will be filed in the case is likely dependent on what the investigation uncovers.

Source: WPXI, "Buggy Horse Put Down After Hit By Ambulance In Indiana Co." Jan. 4, 2012