Sixteen of 42 horses en route to an Illinois slaughterhouse died after a crash early Wednesday (Sept. 27) on Interstate 44 in Franklin County, Mo.

The truck overturned about 3:30 a.m. between Sullivan and St. Clair while en route to Cavel International Inc., a horse processing plant in DeKalb, Ill., authorities said.

The Humane Society, which directed the rescue effort, said 26 of the 42 horses in the trailer were rescued. Seven died at the scene, and nine were euthanized because of severe injuries. The 26 rescued horses were treated at the nearby St. Clair Saddle Club.

The Humane Society’s Jeane Jae said the Missouri State Highway Patrol asked the society to care for the horses at its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch for now. Their ultimate disposition isn’t clear. The Humane Society is seeking custody of the horses