17 cows dead after cattle liner rollover in southeast Calgary

Calgary police are investigating the rollover of a semi-trailercarrying cattle that left 17 cows dead on Tuesday evening.

The single-vehicle crash occurred on the off-ramp from eastbound Stoney Trail S.E. to southbound Macleod Trailat around 8:10 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a release.

Police said they were called with reports that a cattle liner carrying approximately 95 cattle had rolled over.

Speed is being investigated as a factor in the incident. Investigators said the semi-trailerfailed to negotiate a curve as it took the exit onto Macleod Trail. The trailer came to rest on the left side of the roadway.

The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, said police.

Cattle wranglers and a veterinarian responded to the scene, as did city police and firefighters, RCMPand highway road crew members.

While rescue efforts were underway, three cows escaped the cattle liner. They were corralled after nearly two hours, police said.

"This was a highly dynamic situation which required inter-agency collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of the cattle and the public," said Acting Insp. Scott Neilsonof District 8.

"The swift response of all involved was crucial in managing this complex call, and we are grateful for the support and professionalism demonstrated by everyone on the scene."

Police said they do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the incident.

Calgarian TarasVasylyshynwas driving behind the semi-trailer truck when it exited onto the ramp, and captured the vehicle's rollover via a dashcam.

He said the cattle liner hadpassed him before the collision occurred. When it entered the curve, he saw the vehicle's back tires bouncing around before it tipped over.

"It was a loud screeching sound,and then the whole trailer starts sliding and then I start driving with debris and all that sort of stuff kicking up," said Vasylyshyn.

"So it wasinitially just major shock on my part."

Vasylyshyn said he pulled over and knocked on the driver's windshield, who eventually gave him a thumbs up after a few moments. That's when he called 911 and waited for responders to arrive.

"I gave [my dashcam footage]to police. And yeah, I also heard the cattle in the background, [they were] making noise and moving around."

"It's such a surreal situation, you don't see this every day at all."

Acting Sgt. Scott Seymour saida large animal veterinarian made the decision to euthanize several animals on site that suffered injuries such as broken legs.