Man and horses killed in horror road smashes which shut M18
Three vehicles were involved in a series of crashes
A driver has died and two horses have also been killed in a series of horror road crashes which closed the M18 motorway near Doncaster.
A major police investigation is now under way into the tragedy following the incident shortly before 5am near to Armthorpe.
A 50-year-old man died at the scene, along with two horses which had strayed onto the carriageway.
Two other people in separate cars were also injured.
Witnesses and footage are now being sought following the fatal collision.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Following a tragic fatal collision on the M18 in Doncaster, we are appealing for witnesses, those with footage, and the owners of horses involved to come forward.
“At 4.44am today (Friday 13 November) we were called to reports of a collision at junction four of the motorway.
“Officers responded to initial reports of two collisions involving two horses and two Skoda vehicles.
Want more stories like this? Click here to get our daily newsletter
“Initial enquiries have led officers to understand that a blue Skoda Octavia was in collision with one horse, and a blue Skoda Superb was in collision with a second horse who were loose in the carriageway.
“Following the collision involving the Skoda vehicles, a second collision has occurred involving a Vauxhall Nivara and one of the horses.
“The driver of Skoda Superb, a 50-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“His family has been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“The driver of a Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Nivara suffered injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
“Both horses also died at the scene.
“We are now asking for any witnesses, who have not yet spoken to police to come forward, and anyone with dashcam footage to share it.
“We would also like to speak to the owner of the horses, who has not yet come forward.
“One horse is black and one horse is grey in colour.
“Further enquiries are on-going around the horses and their owners, but anyone missing two horses or who may know who they belong to is asked to contact us.
“If you can help officers progress their enquiries, please get in touch quoting incident number 94 of 13 November 2026.”