Amateur Trainer Torbjörn Johansson Seriously Injured in Carting Accident

Åmål, Sweden – Amateur trainer Torbjörn Johansson, 65, sustained serious injuries after being thrown from his cart during a training round with his horse, Hermes TM, on Monday, February 10, 2026. The accident occurred when the horse startled, causing the cart to overturn and throwing Johansson into a snowbank.

What Happened?

According to Johansson, an animal ran ahead during a training round, causing his horse to jerk and lift a wheel of the cart. This resulted in the cart overturning. “It went so speedy, I didn’t have time to think,” Johansson told Trav365. “It just said smack, but I never passed out, I was conscious the whole time.”

Severe Injury and Rescue

Johansson suffered a detached eyelid during the fall and spent nearly six hours alone in the forest with the injury before being able to contact his wife. He described blood spurting from the wound but attributed his ability to remain conscious to adrenaline. After his wife was alerted, a search for the horse, Hermes TM, commenced. The search involved drones and thermal imaging, with assistance from local firefighters, including Johansson’s landlord.

Horse Found Safe

Hermes TM was eventually located in the woods, having become stuck while attempting to pull the cart. Remarkably, the horse only sustained minor swelling to the hoof and was not lame.

Grateful for Support

Johansson, who began training trotters in 2018, expressed immense gratitude for the help he received. “I am so grateful for all the help I received during the night of the accident. Damn what good people there are,” he stated. He also noted that an ophthalmologist told him his injury was “borderline” and credited “guardian angels” with his fortunate outcome.

About Torbjörn Johansson

Torbjörn Johansson is a retired Swedish middle-distance runner who competed in the 800 meters. He represented Sweden at the 1995 IAAF World Indoor Championships and the 1995 World Championships [Wikipedia]. He was born on January 23, 1970 and is currently 56 years classic [Wikipedia]. He currently resides in Strömstad, Sweden.