Over 160 pigs pile onto SR-37 in Monroe County following crash; 9 die

MONROE COUNTY, Ind. — Several pigs died following a crash that occurred on State Road 37 in Monroe County Thursday morning.

According to the Monroe Fire Protection District, crews were called around 8:45 a.m. to the intersection of State Road 37 and S. Old State Road 37 after receiving reports of a possible crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and another vehicle with injuries.

Monroe Fire Protection District said first responders arrived on the scene and found a livestock trailer carrying pigs had come to rest on its side across the roadway. Crews also found a vehicle that had sustained significant front-end damage.

The drivers of each vehicle were treated on scene and released shortly after. Neither driver sustained serious injuries, according to the Monroe Fire Protection District

Fire crews then worked to retrieve three pigs that had escaped from the livestock trailer during the incident. This search involved troopers with the Indiana State Police and the Monroe County Animal Control Officers who were worried about the condition of the pigs.

Using a combination of fire trucks, back boards and ladders, Monroe Fire Protection District said firefighters and other authorities managed to create a chute that acted as a temporary “holding pin” for the pigs.

First responders also created a food trough for the pigs after setting up fans and hose lines to help stave off the high temperatures and keep the pigs comfortable.

In total, the livestock trailer was transporting 162 pigs. Monroe Fire Protection District confirmed that nine pigs died during the incident.

The road was closed to oncoming traffic for multiple hours as crews collaborated to remove the livestock trailer from the roadway and bring the remaining pigs to safety.

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