At least 43 horses have died following a tragic barn fire at a stables in Logan County, Ohio.
The horrific incident took place over the weekend at the Brant Performance Horses' barn near Belle Center.
Emergency units were called out to the barn at around midday on Saturday, with firefighters remaining on the scene until approximately 11:30PM.
Per CBS News, as well as 43 horses being killed in the blaze, an employee at the barn also suffered serious burns after attempting to save as many of the animals as possible.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that firefighters from three counties were called in to help tackle the fire.
The employee injured in the fire has been named as Eric Priest.
On the official Brant Performance Horses Facebook page, an update has been shared on Priest's wellbeing following the tragedy.
"On behalf of both the Brant and Priest Families we are happy to report Eric is doing well. He is still smiling and telling his same corny jokes. We love this man like family," the post read. "We ask that you please think of Eric and donate to help him rebuild everything he has lost."
A GoFundMe has since been launched on behalf of the brace employee, with kind donations amassing to over $40,000 as of this writing.
The fundraising page reads: "He is at OSU burn center for second degree burns to his arms, back and head from rushing back in to try and free as many horses as he can.
"Eric has lost the source of his income, all his tack, and now faces medical bills with a road to recovery. Eric has been a wonderful trainer and friend to all his clients. Please help him with medical bills, gas/food for Summer (his wife) and to help them both as Eric heals."
He is expected to spend around two weeks in hospital, per an update on the page.
The barn measured 60,000-square-feet, and boasted stalls, a performing area, and living quarters for employees.
As of this writing, officials say the cause of the fire is unknown.
Our thoughts go out to anybody impacted by this tragedy.
