A devastating barn fire at Hanover Shoe Farms in Union Township, Pennsylvania, resulted in the deaths of 12 horses on Sunday (April 12). The fire, which started in a manure pile, was quickly spread by high winds to a barn on Sell Station Road, leading to the roof collapsing just eight minutes later.
Initial reports from the farm suggested that 14 horses had perished, but two were later found alive. Patti Murphy, the farm manager, confirmed in a Facebook post that a mare and foal initially believed lost were discovered unharmed.
The fire department responded promptly to the scene around 1:30 p.m. No humans were injured, and the surviving horses are now safely grazing in nearby fields. The barn, which housed 38 stalls for mares and foals, was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no external horses involved.
Hanover Shoe Farms, known as the largest Standardbred horse nursery globally, expressed gratitude to the firefighters and staff who managed the crisis. The farm also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the local community and the harness racing industry worldwide.
CBS21 reported that the fire is still under investigation, with officials working to determine the exact cause. As cleanup efforts begin, the farm mourns the loss of its horses and looks to heal from the tragedy.