Maine Turnpike Mishap: Cows Fall from Trailer due to Unsecured Doors
Several cows were injured this week when they fell out of an improperly secured trailer while traveling on the Maine Turnpike, officials said. Maine State Police reported that the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Monday in Lewiston.
Unlatched Doors Lead to Chaos
The initial investigation revealed that the doors of the cattle trailer, connected to a pickup truck, were not properly secured. This oversight caused the doors to unlatch while the vehicle was on the highway, resulting in three cows tumbling onto the roadway. Additionally, one cow managed to escape from the container once the vehicle came to a halt.
Injuries and Response
One of the cows landed in the passing lane and suffered a broken leg, while two others sustained road rash and were found on the road’s shoulder by police. The fourth cow fled into the nearby woods. In a heartwarming display of compassion, a trooper secured one of the cows by tying it to the back of his cruiser, employing a buddy system to calm the other animals and prevent further chaos.
Cleanup and Investigation
As a result of the accident, one lane had to be temporarily closed while the driver of the pickup truck, identified as 39-year-old Dustin Bubar of Stetson, Maine, worked to reload the cows back into the trailer. Bubar was cited for having an unsecured load on his vehicle. Animal control officers from Lewiston, along with helpful passersby, offered their assistance during the incident. The authorities have stated that the crash remains under investigation to determine the full extent of the circumstances that led to this unusual event.
Random Humanizing Touch:
It’s easy to chuckle at the mental image of cows causing a traffic jam on the Maine Turnpike, but the reality is far more serious. These gentle creatures found themselves in a terrifying situation due to a simple mistake, highlighting the importance of securing cargo properly. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the quick thinking and compassion shown by the troopers and bystanders who stepped in to help these animals in their time of need. After all, it’s not every day you see cows getting a police escort!