CARRSVILLE -- Several horses broke through their corral and got onto the highway, causing four crashes Wednesday night.
Va. State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Cotten says it's unclear what caused the horses to break out, but it was raining and stormy and that may have spooked them.
7 horses were killed in the crashes that occurred within an hour of each other.
The first occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Beaverdam Road. Christine Pearce of Franklin wasn't hurt, but damage to her 2007 Nissan Ultima is about $2,000.
At 7:19 p.m., Nicole Carr of Carrsville was driving on Beaverdam Rd and encountered the horses. Damage to her 2007 Nissan Ultima is estimated at $10,000. She was treated for a minor injury, Sgt. Cotten added.
The next crash occurred at 7:30 p.m. when Russell Pace of Franklin couldn't avoid the horses. His 2002 Sonata has $7,000 damage.
The last crash occurred at 8:05 p.m. Neal and Gail Allen of Suffolk were hurt and their 2007 Dodge Caravan has $15,000 damage, according to Sgt. Cotten.
"I looked up and all I saw was horses running towards us. I knew then we were going to get hit," said Mrs. Allen.
She says she and her husband were headed to choir practice when they ran into the horses.
Her husband remains in the hospital and faces surgery because several bones in his face were broken.
She's at home with stitches in her wrist and staples on her head.
"I hope no one ever has to experience what we went through. It was horrific," she added.
The remaining horses were returned to their corral.
Sgt. Cotten says no charges will be filed against their owner, William Camp, who lives on Holly Run Drive.
