Two Vehicles Strike Horse on Route 1 in Littleton

Maine State Police say a horse had to be euthanized after it ran into the road and was struck by a car and a tractor trailer near the Houlton-Littleton town line Friday evening.

The accident happened on Route 1 around 7:20 p.m., according to a news release from Sgt. Josh Haines.

Police say 68-year-old Brian McDougal of New Sweden was driving a 2017 Subaru when the horse ran into the roadway and struck the passenger side of his car.

Moments later, a 1996 Peterbilt tractor trailer driven by 35-year-old Geary Bonville of Presque Isle also struck the horse. Police say both drivers were wearing seat belts and were not injured in the crash.

The owner of the horse had the animal put down by a neighbor due to the extent of its injuries.

Both vehicles sustained damage, but were able to be driven from the scene.

State Trooper Nick Casavant is the primary investigator and was assisted at the scene by Sgt. Josh Haines as well as Houlton Police Department.

The collision was in the same area of Route 1 where a woman was injured last year when her car struck a horse that had wandered out onto the highway.