M5 traffic chaos when trailer full of cows crashed and overturned

A lorry laden with cattle toppled over on the M5, sparking a huge delay for Devon drivers and causing quite the stir for the cows involved. Devon and Cornwall Police have provided some good news amidst the chaos, confirming that the bovines escaped harm despite being shaken up by the M5 mishap. The emergency services dashed to the collision site near junction 27 at 4.55pm on Tuesday, June 3, which led to miles of tailbacks as motorists were brought to a standstill.

Images from the crash depict the trailer toppled onto its side, blocking two lanes on the motorway. Both carriageways of the M5 were shut while efforts were made to liberate and secure the cows from the capsized trailer, as reports Devon Live[1]. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any reported injuries to cows or humans due to the accident.

National Highways flagged that the traffic build-up spanned several miles thanks to the overturned vehicle, issuing a statement: "Traffic is being held on the M5 southbound between J27 Tiverton and J28 Cullompton due to a collision resulting in an overturned trailer. Approx. two miles of congestion." The route was blocked for about an hour and a half but was declared clear shortly after 6.30pm.

Devon and Cornwall Police released a statement saying: "We were called at 4.55pm on Tuesday 3 June following a report of an overturned trailer on the M5 junction 27 slip. "A full closure was put in place in both directions while the animals inside were moved. "No people or animals were hurt.

"The road was cleared shortly after 6.30pm."

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References

  1. ^ Devon Live (www.devonlive.com)
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