Farmers, Firefighters Corral Cattle From Overturned Trailer

Crews from the South River Volunteer Fire Department and Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department responded to an overturned tractor-trailer on U.S. 11 near Fairfield Elementary School during Tuesday afternoon’s heavy rain.

The tractor-trailer was hauling 63 cattle, nine of which were lost in the incident, either being killed in the crash or having to be euthanized. Due to the construction of the trailer, the cattle had to be unloaded before the trailer could be pulled upright and local farmers were called to help assist in unloading the animals from the trailer and hauling them to McClungs Dairy in Fairfield.

Additionally, Augusta Farmer’s Co-op, Rockbridge Farmer’s Co-op and Blue Ridge Animal Clinic sent people to assist with the animals.