Overview
- A carriage carrying two horses and a 66-year-old driver ran into the Teufelsteich in Harzgerode, and the two horses drowned while the driver swam to shore uninjured.
- Authorities say the animals were reportedly startled and have launched a formal investigation Monday to determine the exact cause and whether other road users were involved.
- Emergency crews used a winch and a rescue boat to recover the carriage and the animals, with local fire teams spending about two hours on the salvage operation.
- The driver, who owned the horses, returned alone from the scene and arranged removal of the animals; responders said the incident did not cause visible contamination of the reservoir.
- Initial accounts are based on early dpa reporting republished by local outlets, and police cautioned that details remain preliminary as they gather witness statements and scene evidence.