I-40 Cattle Hauler Crash Kills 12 Cattle Near Tinker Air Force Base

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I-40 Cattle Hauler Crash Kills 12 Cattle Near Tinker Air Force Base

An I-40 cattle hauler crash near Tinker Air Force Base left 12 cattle dead, several others injured, and caused major traffic delays Tuesday morning as emergency crews worked for hours to rescue dozens of trapped animals from an overturned trailer. Firefighters from the Midwest City Fire Department, troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and experienced livestock handlers responded to the scene after a two-story cattle trailer overturned on westbound Interstate 40 between South Air Depot Boulevard and South Midwest Boulevard.

Authorities said the trailer was transporting 62 head of cattle when it overturned. While the truck driver escaped without injuries, emergency crews faced the difficult task of rescuing frightened animals trapped inside the wreckage while minimizing additional injuries.

I-40 Cattle Hauler Crash Trapped Dozens Of Animals

The I-40 cattle hauler crash left approximately 25 cattle trapped inside the lower level of the overturned trailer as firefighters carefully cut through the damaged livestock carrier to reach the animals.

One of the responders, Caden Maybery, told News 9 he and his father have assisted with several similar livestock rescues over the years after being recommended by the Oklahoma City Stockyards.

Maybery said rescuers initially feared the death toll would be much higher because many of the animals were piled on top of one another inside the trailer.

As crews slowly removed cattle from the wreckage, several animals that initially appeared dead were able to stand and walk away from the crash.

"At first, it did look like a lot more," Maybery said. "As we pulled more and more off, you see more get up and kind of get back to life."

By the end of the rescue operation, officials confirmed 12 cattle had died, while dozens of others survived and were safely transferred into another livestock trailer.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol provides traffic and crash updates through the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Experienced Responders Helped Save Dozens Of Cattle

Maybery said Tuesday's rescue marked the fourth major cattle hauler crash he and his father have helped respond to in recent years.

Working alongside firefighters, the pair helped guide the rescue effort while ensuring cutting tools did not injure trapped livestock.

Although losing 12 cattle was difficult, Maybery said rescuers were relieved they were able to save many more animals than initially expected.

"It's kind of a mix of relief and sadness," he said. "We don't want to lose any of them, but the relief of knowing we got more than we initially expected... it's a good feeling."

Emergency crews eventually brought a second cattle trailer to the scene so the surviving livestock could be safely loaded and transported away from the interstate.

The Midwest City Fire Department regularly provides emergency response updates through the Midwest City Fire Department.

Crash Investigation Continues After Lengthy Interstate Closure

The I-40 cattle hauler crash forced westbound traffic to a single lane for several hours while firefighters, troopers, and livestock handlers completed the rescue operation and cleared the wreckage.

Motorists experienced significant delays throughout the morning as crews worked to safely remove the surviving cattle before heavy equipment could clear the overturned trailer.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the truck driver was not injured in the crash.

Investigators have not yet determined what caused the cattle hauler to overturn, and the collision remains under investigation.

Additional traffic alerts and roadway conditions are available through the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

SOURCE: News9

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