Five to six horses that escaped a rural Peabody property and got onto US-50 were killed April 24 when the driver of a semi was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting them.

Harmanpreet Singh, 21, Indianapolis, was driving west on US-50 just before 1 a.m. when he saw the horses in the roadway just east of Quail Creek Rd.

Singh told deputy Kaylan Miles he tried to brake but could not stop in time.

The horses belonged to Jeffrey L. Smith, who operates Wildcat Creek Ranch.

Singh’s 2023 International semi, owned by Rizq Transport of Fishers, Indiana, had damage to its undercarriage, front, and left and right sides of the cab. It was towed.

Undersheriff Larry Starkey said the highway had to be blocked intermittently while Smith removed the horses from the roadway so drivers could pass again.

Singh did not report injury.