POULSBO — Three horses were killed and another horse was seriously injured when they were struck by a semi on State Highway 3 at Big Valley Road shortly before 3 a.m. Dec. 13.

The driver of the semi was not injured, according to a Washington State Patrol report. No charges were filed, according to state patrol.

Christopher A. Holmes, 27, of Port Hadlock was driving a 1985 Peterbilt northbound on State Highway 3 passing Big Valley Road when his tractor-trailer struck four horses walking in the roadway, state patrol reported. He stopped his rig, blocking the northbound lane.

Three horses were declared dead at the scene and were relocated to the state Department of Transportation lot in Lofall. The fourth horse was transported to Sound Equine Veterinary Hospital with serious injuries.

The owner or owners of the horses had not been notified as of 10 a.m. Dec. 13.