A horse collided with a bus on the E22 highway outside Hörby in southern Sweden. The incident forced a complete closure of the major transportation route. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the collision.
Police confirmed the bus driver sustained injuries in the accident. Officers described the driver as conscious and able to speak but trapped in the vehicle. Rescue teams worked to free the driver from the wreckage. The exact extent of the driver's injuries remains unclear at this time.
Authorities have now brought the horses involved in the incident under control. Police officials communicated directly with the horse owner following the collision. No passengers aboard the bus reported any injuries from the accident. The condition of the horse that struck the bus remains unknown.
Traffic authorities completely shut down the affected section of highway. The Swedish Transport Administration confirmed there is currently no estimated time for reopening the road. The closure affects one of southern Sweden's key transportation corridors connecting major cities.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges with wildlife and livestock encounters on Swedish highways. Sweden's extensive rural areas often border major roadways, creating potential hazards. The country has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents, including wildlife fencing and warning systems.
Similar accidents involving animals on Swedish roads occur with concerning frequency. Just last year, multiple collisions with moose and deer caused serious accidents on highways across Skåne county. These incidents often result in extended road closures and significant economic impacts due to transportation delays.
International readers should understand Sweden's highway system generally maintains excellent safety records. The country invests heavily in road safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. This incident represents an unusual circumstance rather than a common occurrence on Swedish roads.
Local commuters and commercial transporters now face substantial disruptions. The E22 serves as a vital link for goods movement and daily travel in the region. Alternative routes may experience increased congestion until authorities clear the accident scene and reopen the highway.
Police continue investigating how the horses accessed the highway and the exact sequence of events leading to the collision. Such investigations typically examine roadway fencing, animal control measures, and driver response times. The findings could influence future safety improvements along this transportation corridor.