SC’s COLLETON COUNTY (WCBD) – A livestock trailer truck hauling more than 35 cows broke apart and caught fire on Tuesday morning, forcing the closure of both the north and southbound lanes of I-95 between Exit 53 and Exit 57 for 10 hours.
Colleton County Fire Rescue reports that at 1:03 a.m. on Tuesday, they received a 911 call regarding a fire in a tractor-trailer that was obstructing the southbound bridge around mile marker 55.
Upon arrival, the workers discovered that the truck’s tail was hanging over the bridge at mile marker 55, and that the entire cab and chassis were ablaze. According to CCFR, a different portion of the cattle vehicle was immersed in the river.
Diesel fuel was all over the bridge and seeping into the river, and there was fire and debris in the road, blocking both southbound lanes.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye, the truck had overturned after running off the road (SCHP). According to CCFR, the truck driver managed to flee with just minor injuries and was transported to Colleton Medical Center.
Upon the arrival of additional first responders, they discovered numerous cows in the river and along its banks, some of which were hurt. Driving close to the accident, a car on I-95 heading north struck some debris in the road, rendering it immobile and blocking the median lane. That car’s driver escaped uninjured.
Additionally, SCHP blocked down northbound lanes for safety concerns.
To help with cleanup, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Department came along a small Jon boat.
Authorities continued to uncover cows, some of which were strolling in the I-95 northbound lanes. It was hard for the teams to find the dark-colored cows in the darkness.
