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15 Horses Rescued After Barn Collapses In Norwell

NORWELL, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Fifteen horses made it out of a barn in Norwell after its roof collapsed under heavy snow Monday morning, authorities said.

Five horses were able to get out of the collapsed barn immediately, while 10 more were trapped in their stalls by debris. They had to be sedated and helped out by Norwell firefighters and trainers.

The horses did not suffer any serious injuries, just superficial cuts, officials said.

The collapse was discovered at about 7 a.m. Monday when several people went to feed the horses and clean the barn and riding arena.

Norwell Barn Collapse
The roof of the barn caved in just after sunrise Monday. (WBZ-TV)

There were no reports of human injuries.

Worried owners met their horses at the scene. It wasn't immediately clear where the horses would go.

"I'm just relieved that they're all here and healthy," one said.

The incident serves as a reminder to clear as much snow off roofs as possible, fire officials said.

Barn owner Ethelene Devers said snow had been removed from an older portion of the roof, but the collapse occurred in a newer area.

"When I turned to walk in the arena I said, 'Wow it's really bright in here,'" she said. "The whole roof had caved in."

Two horses died in a barn roof collapse in Westford last month.

 

collapsed barn norwell
The collapsed horse barn. (Photo credit Norwell Fire Department)

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports:

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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