INNISFAIL – A dozen head of cattle were killed Thursday during a single-vehicle crash of a cattle liner at Innisfail's Highway 590 overpass at Highway 2.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Ihme said at about 12:11 p.m. on Nov. 7 a semi-truck hauling a cattle liner driving west on Highway 590 failed to negotiate a turn south onto Highway 2 and flipped onto its side.
“He wasn’t able to make the turn and (the cattle liner) essentially flopped onto its right side,” said Ihme. “I believe there were about 75 cows. I believe they were smaller calves. Some of them have died.”
Ihme later confirmed to the Albertan that 12 head of cattle were deceased.
He said the driver of the cattle liner sustained minor injuries and was transported to Innisfail Health Centre for treatment.
Ihme said while Innisfail RCMP responded to the crash the Innisfail and Red Deer County fire departments were the primary responders, as well as the county’s livestock response unit and members of the Innisfail Auction Mart.
“They had to cut open the trailer. It was on its right side and they had to cut it open to get access to it and then they were able to get the cows out,” said Ihme. “They then transferred the cows to other trailers.
“These guys definitely know what they are doing,” added Ihme. “They essentially set up some fencing as you leave the flipped trailer and they just kind of made a corral and wrangled them into other trailers. A whole bunch of trailers lined up and were able to take the cows away.
“None (cows) got out onto the highway,” said Ihme. “It was a pretty efficient, professional response.”
Ihme said the only impact to traffic from the crash was that motorists leaving Innisfail west of the overpass and those coming from the east were unable to utilize the exit ramp to drive south onto Highway 2 while the response was ongoing.
The investigation into the crash continues.