In the early hours of a chilly Saturday morning, an incident on Interstate 69 in Grant County, Indiana, unfolded like a scene from an action movie. A truck transporting zebras, camels, and a miniature horse for a series of weekend circus performances caught fire, leading to a dramatic rescue operation. Thanks to the swift action of the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s deputies, and other responders, a potential tragedy was averted, showcasing human bravery and compassion in the face of unexpected danger.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when a tractor-trailer en route from Florida to Fort Wayne for the Mizpah Shrine Circus caught fire. The driver, a 57-year-old man from Sarasota, Florida, along with law enforcement officers, managed to lead the animals—five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse—to safety off the smoke-filled trailer. This operation was not without its risks; both a state trooper and a sheriff’s deputy were treated for smoke inhalation, though, fortunately, they were later released from the hospital. Remarkably, none of the animals were harmed during the ordeal.