A tractor trailer hauling cattle rolled and crashed in the Highway 3 rock cuts near Elko on Friday, October 19 around 11 a.m.

The eastbound truck was hauling close to 100 head of Holstein yearlings. Forty one were accounted for but 62 were killed. The hauler was travelling from Oregon to Alberta.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was released from hospital.

Two other wrecks were reported at the scene as five of the cows had scattered and wandered off along the roadway. Two were killed. The remaining three have been accounted for near the area of Silver Springs. There were no personal injuries.

Highway 3 was shut down immediately until 4 a.m. when traffic was able to move again. It took quite awhile to get the trapped yearlings out of the wreckage.

Elk Valley RCMP would like to hear from you if witnessed this accident and is encouraged to contact the RCMP at (250) 425-6233.

‘RCMP continues to actively investigate this tragic incident. The weather and road conditions were good. This is the second incident since mid-September of this year,” reported Cst. Debra Katerenchuk, Media Relations Officer with Elk Valley RCMP.

Elk Valley RCMP would also like to thank the following agencies for their excellent assistance: Emergency Health Services; Fire Departments from Fernie, Elko and Jaffray; Brand Inspector; Canada Food Inspection Agency; Steeples Veterinary Clinic; Ministry of Transportation and Highways; and the public for stopping and helping out when needed.

e-KNOW

Article Share