Breaking EN: Hyperbaric Explosion at KESMARC Ocala

A hyperbaric chamber at the KESMARC rehabilitation facility in Ocala, FL has exploded.  There was one human death, another person critically injured, and one horse death.  KESMARC could not be reached for comment at this time.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this horrible tragedy.  [Local news report]

Update 12:15pm — The horse that passed away in the explosion was an event horse owned by Ms. Jacquelline Mars named Landmark’s Legendary Affaire.  “Tux” was a 2006, 16.1hh homebred gelding raised by Sue Clark and competed up to the novice level by Lauren Kieffer.  We have spoken with Lauren, who said “Tux was a very talented horse and all of us at OCET are incredibly saddened by the loss.”  Tux was being treated as KESMARC.

Update 1:00pm — The Chronicle has linked to a local Florida news report that says that there was one fatality, 28 year old Erica Marshall, and that 33 year old Scorcha Moneley was transported to a hospital in Gainesville, FL for treatment.  Reports on a local news live chat state that reports from officials say that the horse started kicking and the workers were trying to turn the chamber off when the explosion happened.  [COTH, Local Report, Live Chat]

Photo from Eisaman Equine