Several Cows Were Hurt In a Crash on the Maine Turnpike

Maine State Police are investigating a crash on the Maine Turnpike caused by a badly latched door on a cattle trailer.

A Man From Stetson Crashed in His Cattle Hauler

Dustin Bubar, 39, of Stetson was cited for an unsecured load on a vehicle.

Maine State Police Say Law Enforcement and Passersby Worked Together

The crash was reported at approximately 11:30 Monday morning near Exit 79 on the Turnpike in Lewiston. State Troopers responded and found a pickup truck hauling a cattle trailer. Officials say it appears the rear doors of the cattle hauler were not properly secured as the vehicle traveled southbound. The doors unlatched and the cattle inside the trailer shifted, leading to three animals falling from the back of the trailer onto the roadway. One of those cows landed in the passing lane and suffered a broken leg, while two others sustained road rash and were found on the shoulder of the road. Another of the animals ran from the back of the trailer once it had stopped and into the woods nearby.

Troopers secured one of the cows by tying it to the back of his cruiser, using a buddy system to help calm the animals and prevent further movement. One lane of traffic was temporarily shut down as Mr. Bubar worked to reload the animals onto the trailer. Animal Control Officers from the Lewiston Police Department assisted on scene, along with passersby who stopped to help.

Two of the Cows Were Severely Injured

Unfortunately, two of the injured cows are expected to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

This crash remains under investigation.

We'll update this story as more details become available.