A collision between a horse and a vehicle south of North Platte led to a pileup and sent one man to a Denver hospital by helicopter.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, the accident happened around 6:00 a.m., Thursday, on Highway 83 near Lake Maloney.

A Ford F-250, driven by 28-year-old Mark Dennis, of North Platte, was traveling northbound when he collided with a horse on the roadway.

Shortly thereafter, a black Chevy pickup, driven by 61-year-old Sergio Ramirez, of North Platte, approached the scene of the accident and hit the horse before striking Dennis’ pickup.  The Patrol says Ramirez’ pickup came to rest in the ditch on the east side of the highway.

Dennis and Ramirez, both uninjured, were surveying the scene when a southbound vehicle, driven by 59-year-old Angel Zarraga, collided head on with Dennis’ pickup.

Patrol Sgt. Art Freirichs said Zarraga and his 19-year-old son, Jesus, were both transported to Great Plains Regional Medical Center, before the elder Zarraga was transported, by helicopter, to a Denver Hospital with serious injuries.

Sgt. Freirichs said  Zarraga is expected to survive his injuries.

Jesus Zarraga was treated for minor injuries and released.  Dennis and Ramirez were both uninjured.

The horse was euthanized due to the seriousness of its injuries and authorities are still trying to identify its owner.