KIMBALL — Five horses are dead after being hit by a semitrailer killed in western Nebraska.

The accident happened Tuesday morning when the southbound semi struck the animals 20 miles north of Kimball on state Highway 71.

The semi was hauling a load of corn and rolled upon impact with the animals. The truck and its load suffered an estimated $15,000 in damage, but the 54-year-old driver from Gering was not hurt.

The horses were valued at about $1,000 apiece.

The Nebraska State Patrol said the accident happened shortly after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.