Truck Driver Charged after Fatal Crash
A man has been charged after a truck carrying a load of 17 horses crashed along Mogriguy Road, north of Dubbo , killing a local harness racing identity Ken Smith.
The heavy vehicle was transporting horses when it rolled into a culvert, killing the 64 year old, well respected harness racing identity. He died on the scene.
A 16 year old boy was also injured and had to be flown to Westmead Hospital in Sydney for treatment of head injuries.
Eight of the horses were treated by a nearby vet while 9 had to be euthanised at the scene. Police said the horses were worth between $50,000 and $200,000 each.
The driver, a 32 year old man was taken to Dubbo Hospital with minor injuries. The driver, a 32 year old man was taken to Dubbo Hospital with minor injuries.
The driver was arrested at Dubbo police station, his licence suspended and he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and causing bodily harm by misconduct. He was granted conditional bail and is set to appear in court this month.
The Harness Racing industry is mourning the death of Ken Smith who was described as an institution in the fraternity.
