Cattle trailer overturns on M6 as fire service issues update on animals

A trailer carrying five bulls overturned on the M6 today, closing three lanes of the carriageway and causing miles of queues. The crash took place on the northbound section of the motorway at Junction 13, Dunston.

The trailer was pictured overturned on its side as emergency services rushed to the scene. Firefighters, including an animal rescue team, helped to get the trailer back on four wheels before the animals were moved to a place of safety.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the animals appeared to be well and injured, having undergone assessment from a vet at a nearby farm earlier today. No one was reported injured.

READ MORE: '75 minute delays' on M6 after multi-vehicle crash near Junction 13

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Three lanes were closed as a result of the crash which happened at around 8.30am today (November 30). Fire crews were alerted after the incident was spotted by a passing fire station manager.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews have helped rescue some cattle that were involved in a road traffic incident recently. Crews were alerted at around 8.30am today (Wednesday 13 November) after a passing Station Manager spotted the incident on the M6 at junction 13 while on his way to work.

"A trailer containing a total of five bulls had overturned. No person was reported injured. Four crews, including an animal rescue team, attended the scene along with a Unimog truck.

"Crews then used specialist equipment to put the trailer back on four wheels and moved the animals to a place of safety with the help of a vet. The animals are currently undergoing assessment from a vet at a nearby farm but appear to be well and uninjured.

"Both sides of the carriageway have since reopened. The bulls will shortly be returned to their home farm."