A strange accident on a Tennessee interstate this week left two drivers injured and many cattle dead. The truck accident occurred on Interstate 40 on Wednesday morning, according to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
The Jackson Sun reports that a 2008 Peterbilt that was carrying a load of cattle, to avoid hitting another vehicle that was changing lanes, went into the median of the highway. When the vehicle went back into the interstate lanes, it slid and rolled onto its side. A 2004 Freightliner that was hauling mail then smashed into the center of the truck.
Both of those drivers were injured and were transported to a local hospital. Another tractor trailer also collided with the cattle truck, but that driver was not injured and was able to leave the accident scene.
Several cattle died instantly after the truck was hit. Others suffered serious injuries and had to be euthanized. Crews working to clean up the accident say they were literally chasing cattle down the road, and some cows were captured in a nearby wooded area. The interstate lanes were reopened by the afternoon after about seven hours. About 40 people, including law enforcement officers, highway officials and wrecker drivers, worked to clear the road of debris and cattle.
It was not reported whether any charges were pending. The condition of the drivers was also not reported. A picture posted to the Jackson Sun’s website shows extensive damage to the cattle truck.
Source: Jackson Sun, “Truck crash on I-40 kills 20-30 cattle, delays westbound traffic for 7 hours,” Lauren Foreman, Nov. 16, 2011