In Neuquén, Argentina, a tragic incident occurred where a horse was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by tourists on the Acceso Fortaba highway in Zapala. The accident took place around 4:30 PM near the Monument to the Malvinas Soldier, where witnesses reported that the vehicle, described as a Chilean pickup truck, collided with the horse that was on the road alongside other animals.

The impact was severe, resulting in the immediate death of the horse. When the Neuquén Traffic Division police arrived at the scene, prompted by alerts from other motorists, they found the horse’s body but the vehicle and its occupants had already fled. This incident has raised concerns over road safety and the responsibilities of drivers in rural areas, particularly regarding the presence of animals on the roadway.

Witness accounts indicate a disregard for animal welfare, highlighting a growing issue with tourists who may not be fully aware of local regulations and conditions. This event points to the necessity for better education of drivers about wildlife and livestock crossings, as well as the enforcement of laws pertaining to leaving the scene of an accident, especially in rural regions.