Monday 1 October 2007
17.43
Pilning Railway Station, Bank Road, Pilning
Sheer determination and a little help from Avonmouth Rescue
Tender’s animal sling came into play when a horse became trapped in
a ditch next to Pilning Railway Station.
Prince, a 17 hands high horse who lives in a neighbouring field,
had fallen down a 25ft ditch at the end of his field and, finding
himself unable to get out, walked along a culvert underneath the
nearby railway line and across to the other side, where he became
trapped.
Due to the size of the animal, crews faced a difficult task in
freeing him from the ditch, but after placing an animal sling
around the horse and with all free hands at the ready, Prince was
finally pulled to safety.
Once free, crews made a path across the railway line enabling
the horse's owners and vet to lead Prince safely back to his field.
Network Rail staff controlled railway movements during the rescue
and the line was closed for just 10 minutes as the horse was led
away from the ditch.