Around 6:30 am Friday morning a Semi-trailer carrying 44 horses flipped on its side into the median on Deerfoot Trail near Seton Boulevard S.E.
The driver wasn't hurt, but firefighters had to cut into the trailer using a plasma cutter and saw to free the horses.
Eight horses had to be euthanized at the scene; four others were taken to an animal hospital in Okotoks to be put down.
The horses were destined for a feedlot in Pincher Creek.
Police aren't sure why the trailer flipped. 53 year old Gordon Trach from Brosseau, Alberta has been charged with careless driving, failing to produce insurance, driving with no license plate on the trailer, and operating a vehicle with the wrong class licence.
Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact Const. Matt Nagel or Const. Jeff Charlet at 403-567-6800.
