SUNNYSIDE -- A motorist escaped serious injury in a collision with a horse this week. The equine was not so lucky.

The accident happened at

4 a.m. Wednesday on Yakima Valley Highway, about two-tenths of a mile from the intersection of Maple Grove Road, according to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office.

Although the motorist was not hurt, the horse was injured and died after several minutes.

Because of safety concerns, a city of Sunnyside street department front-loader was sent to the scene to remove the animal's body, which was partly blocking the roadway.