Three Racing Ponies Killed In Stable Fire

[Updated - Third pony died] The Bermuda Fire Service confirmed that two racing ponies were killed and at least one person was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, after a fire broke out this morning [Jan.27] at a the Graceland Stables off Cobbs Hill Road in Paget.

The Fire Service said the call came in at 6.28am and they responded with “three fire appliances, three support vehicles and thirteen personnel to an area of 50 x 30 and a barn well involved.”

The spokesperson went on to say that, “Two firefighers in breathing apparatus took approximately an hour to bring the fire completely under control.”

Update 10.01am: The video of Divisional Officer Dana Lovell is below, who said the fire was “large and fully developed” in the horse stables, and confirmed that two racing ponies were killed. He also said there is no official cause as of yet, but fire investigators are on the scene at this time.

When asked about unofficial reports that two people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, Mr Lovell said, “I am able confirm at least one person was, I am not aware of a second person, but I can confirm that one person did suffer from smoke inhalation and quite possibly some burns as well.”

The fire investigators remain on scene, and the Police Forensic Unit is also present, while members of the local harness pony racing community continue to arrive to lend their support.

Update 12.02pm: The Driving Horse & Pony Club sent an email to the press and their members about this morning’s tragic events.

The email named the two racing ponies that passed away as Return to Sender and Bye Bye Byrd, and said a third pony — Tuxedo’s Lady — had been “badly burned.” It also said two people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, with one also receiving burns on his arm[s] from saving ponies. Both are expected to be fine, said the statement.

“In light of the tragic news, we have decided to cancel tonight’s races and are asking people to please lend a hand tomorrow so that we can help Graceland Stables get back on their feet – people with trucks will be needed to help haul rubble away,”said the email.

The statement said they are looking for a 9am start, and went on to thank everyone who came out to help this morning and those who have extended their barn to help stable ponies.

Update 7:00pm: A police spokesperson said, “Around 6:30am on Friday, January 27th police attended a reported fire in the Cobbs Hill Road, Paget area and were directed by members of the public to nearby stables along the Railway Trail that were ablaze. The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service promptly attended the location as well and actively worked to bring the flames under control.

“Despite efforts by those at the scene including police officers, firefighters and members of the public to get all the animals out of the stables, sadly two horses died and apparently a third horse was seriously injured. The fire was eventually extinguished by Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service personnel. Animal welfare specialists from government and the private sector also attended the scene.

“A 70 year old Paget man who initially attempted to put out the fire was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for minor burns and later released. A 71 year old woman was also taken from the scene to hospital, reportedly for treatment of smoke inhalation, and later released.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the main police number 295-0011.”

Update Jan 28: The third pony – Tuxedo’s Lady – has died.

#Animal #Fires #HarnessPonyRacing #InjuredAnimals

Category: Accidents and fires, All, News