MOHAVE COUNTY, Arizona, Oct., 18, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A semi-tractor trailer carrying 172 pigs crashed on Interstate 15 near St. George Monday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The crash left several pigs gravely injured and shut down the highway’s southbound lanes for nearly six hours, said Bart Graves, spokesman for Arizona DPS, in a news release.
Four pigs escaped into the Virgin River Gorge between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, while many others roamed free on the highway.
The crash happened at approximately 3 p.m. Monday, when the rig was heading for California.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle negotiating a curve,” the news release said. “The trailer tipped over on a barrier wall. The force of the impact ripped open the trailer. Several pigs were gravely injured and had to be euthanized.
“The others were captured on scene thanks in large part to a number of motorists who stopped to assist.”
The truck is owned by the Guerney Company, which sent another semi to pick up the remaining pigs. A temporary corral was constructed for the pigs while the second semi was en route.
The driver was not injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation at this time.
The southbound lanes of I-15 were re-opened at 8:48 p.m. Monday.
