By Kelsey Riley
A barn fire at Indiana Stallion Station near Anderson the morning of April 12 resulted in the death of 13 horses and sent three stable employees to hospital.
The fire erupted around 10:30 a.m. According to the Chesterfield-Union Township Fire Department, firefighters were called to the scene, and immediately requested assistance from other local fire departments. Firefighters remained on the scene until 4:45 p.m. The fire was contained to a barn holding mares and foals.
“There weren’t any stallions involved, mainly mares and foals, which was tragic, as with any animal dying,” said Eddie Martin, executive director of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Martin said the fire is believed to have been accidental.
“I just know that the state fire marshall has ruled it as accidental. They don’t know what the cause is,” said Martin.
Three stable workers were treated for smoke inhalation at St. John’s Medical Center in Anderson, and have since been released. One firefighter was also treated at St. John’s. Fire crews attempted to rescue the remaining horses in the barn until they were ordered to evacuate.
Indiana Stallion Station stands eight stallions, including Alysweep, Halo Najib, Glitter Code, and Massive Drama.
