Crime & Safety

Barn Collapse Pins Horses; Rescue Under Way

A Poolesville barn partially collapsed with dozens of horses inside, says the fire department.

POOLESVILLE, MD — Officials report a barn collapsed on Sugarland Road in Poolesville, pinning three horses in the structure.

The partial collapse was reported about 3 p.m. says Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.

The area had received 22 inches of snow by 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

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He said on Twitter that the 75-foot by 150-foot steel and aluminum structure was housing dozens of horses at the time.

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Rescue crews at the scene are hampered by snow drifts and strong winds, Piringer said. The county’s Life-Safety Task Force is assisting with the rescue.

A tractor and plow are creating an access path to rescue and remove horses from the barn.

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