Des Plaines woman, horses hurt in crash

A Des Plaines woman was released from a Dubuque hospital Monday after she struck several horses while driving on Lafayette County W in Wisconsin on July 10, authorities said.

Patricia E. Usyak, 74, was injured in the accident and transported to Dubuque Hospital, officials said in a news release.

Her vehicle was severely damaged in the accident, officials said, and had to be towed from the scene.

Benton Fire Department, Benton First Response and a veterinarian assisted at the scene.

It is believed up to five horses were injured in the accident, though police have not released full details on the injured animals.

Local media reported nine people and their injured horses were involved in the accident yet not included in the police report. The people were riding horses in the grass along the highway when the accident happened, the media report said.

Lafayette County Sheriff's Department Deputy Jim Jacobson said no other people were injured. Though there were horses being ridden, no one was on the horses at the time of the accident, he said.

Officials also did not release details of the accident, including whether the horses were on the roadway or on the side of the road or whether there was an attempt to avoid the accident. Also, it was not known if any horses had to be euthanized because of the accident.