Three horses are dead after a truck hauling liquified petroleum gas collided with them in the predawn darkness near Grand Junction, Colo.

It happened just after 6 p.m. Thursday morning, Jan. 18th, along westbound Interstate 70.

Horse owner Pete Mathes said someone must have opened a gate, allowing the geldings to get out and wander onto the highway.

The Colorado State Patrol said truck driver Robert Osborn somehow managed to keep the rig upright and maintain control, preventing what could have been a major explosion