Motorcyclists ditch bikes to avoid buggy - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

ST. CHARLES, Minn. (KTTC) -- Questions are still lingering over an accident that sent one person to the hospital on Winona County Highway 35.  The incident involved two motorcycles and a horse-drawn buggy.

Investigator, Rob Averbeck, tells us the details are still somewhat unclear pending investigation. He says two motorcycles were northbound On Winona County Highway 35 while an Amish buggy was southbound.

As they approached the buggy closer, the bikers began to slow down as a precaution, and that's when the horse allegedly reared up and crossed the center line.

Both Bikers slammed the brakes and hit the pavement.  First responding crews from St. Charles, Utica, and Lewiston responded to the scene as well as the Mayo 1 air ambulance.  Crews on scene were unsure if the buggy or either bike collided.

"There's reports that it did, and there's reports that it really didn't," said Averbeck.  "So we're kind of looking at damage to both, either the horse and buggy, and either of the motorcycles."

One biker was treated for road rash, the other was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

The lone occupant of the buggy was unharmed.  Averbeck noted he believed the horse was okay as well.