Fort Edmonton Park has determined that an incident that saw a horse-drawn carriage tip over on Wednesday morning, sending six people to hospital, was likely caused by a horse getting spooked.
In a statement issued to Global News, the Fort Edmonton Park Management Company said one of the reins slipped from the driver’s hand, but as they grabbed for it, the horses began running. The driver was unable to stop the horses.
“The driver took measures as trained, at which point the horses and wagon collided with a tree, and all passengers and the driver were ejected,” president and CEO Darren Dalgleish wrote.
READ MORE: Fort Edmonton Park suspends animal activities after horse-drawn carriage tips over
Watch below: On Aug. 15, 2018, Sarah Kraus reported on officials at Fort Edmonton Park saying they have suspended all animal activities after a horse-drawn carriage tipped over.
Two horses were involved in the crash. One is undergoing veterinary care while the second horse remains at Fort Edmonton Park.
Alberta Health Services confirmed all six people sent to hospital were adults. Two people were admitted to hospital, one in serious condition and one in stable condition. As of Thursday morning, both victims were in stable condition.
Dalgleish said no employees were seriously injured as a result of the incident. Fort Edmonton Park has suspended horse-related programming since the wagon tipped over.
“A full review of this incident, risks and response will take place before this programming is reinstated,” he wrote.
Occupational Health and Safety is also investigating.