According to authorities, a man has been charged with reckless driving after crashing his 2006 Mustang into the rear of a horse-drawn holiday wagon ride in Stanley, resulting in 14 people being injured.
Approximately 20 adults and children were on board the wagon with bolted-down benches and wrought-iron sides and back, which helped to protect the riders some, according to Police Chief Timothy Foster.
According to Foster, the driver of the Mustang was not paying attention and slammed into the wagon at approximately 8 p.m., knocking the wagon driver into a yard along Main Street. The Clydesdale horses pulled the wagon and riders for 100 yards before it struck an electric pole. Foster said the horses fled and were later caught.
Foster said that thirteen people, including the wagon driver, received transport to a local hospital and a woman with a compound fracture of her leg received air transport to another. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Foster said that neither speed nor alcohol are believed to be factors. The wagon was equipped with flashing lights, reflective signs and tape, and holiday lights and should have been easily visible.
The driver of the car was uninjured and was charged with reckless driving.
