Motorists travelling through the area at the time were met with a deeply distressing scene
Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene of a crash in Kilkenny city involving a vehicle and horses. Photo: stock image/PA
A number of horses have been killed during a crash involving a single vehicle and on the outskirts of Kilkenny city this morning.
Emergency services including local gardaí and members of the Kilkenny Fire Service were called to the scene of the crash involving a vehicle and horses on the slip road at Junction 8 on the M9 Southbound at Kilkenny city.
The crash occurred at approximately 6am this morning.
The occupants of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries, but a number of horses were killed when they were struck by the vehicle.
It’s understood that at least two horses are deceased.
Motorists travelling through the area at the time were met with a deeply distressing scene, as the bodies of the horses lay on the road following the crash.
Gardaí and the fire brigade quickly arrived at the scene to deal with the incident and to remove the dead horses.
Efforts are being made to establish the owner of the horses.
In a statement to the Irish Independent, a garda spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí attended the scene of a road traffic collision involving a vehicle and horses on the slip road at Junction 8 on the M9 Southbound at Kilkenny city at approximately 6am this morning, Friday, October 17 2025.
“No injuries to occupants of the vehicle were reported.”