Two horses on the loose have been killed in a horrific crash on the outskirts of Hokitika.
Police say a local driver did not see the animals until the impact, which threw one horse up and over his four-wheel-drive, while the other was pushed for about 70m under the front of the vehicle.
Constable Shane Allan, of Hokitika, said both horses were severely injured in the impact and dead when he arrived about 5.20am on Tuesday.
The driver, the sole occupant of the car, was not hurt.
"The horse crushed the passenger side of the roof but the driver was unhurt," Const Allan said.
The crash happened near the glow-worm dell on State Highway 6. The road was closed for a time while the scene was cleared and machinery was brought in to remove the carcases.
Const Allan said the owner had been spoken to and was understandably upset but concerned for the driver.
He said it was a timely reminder to check that stock fences were well maintained and secured, especially near main roads.
- By Janna Sherman of the Hokitika Guardian
