‘Several cows saved’ after lorry with 20 cattle overturns in Cupar
Several cows have reportedly been saved after a lorry containing 20 cattle overturned in Cupar. The vehicle fell on its side near the Fluthers roundabout on East Bridge at around 10.30am on Thursday. The driver is unharmed, after being rescued by two local joiners, but some of the animals were thought to be trapped in the lorry.
Witnesses say they have seen several of the cows walking out of the overturned lorry into waiting cattle trucks.
Big emergency operation after Cupar cattle accident
The fire service has drafted in appliances from Cupar and Kirkcaldy as well as heavy lifting equipment from Dundee. The road was closed at East Bridge between the two roundabouts and it is understood street furniture including lampposts are being removed to aid recovery of the lorry. Local farmers were also said to be helping rescue the cows.
The lorry ended up on its side.
Image: David Wardle
A rescue operation swiftly got underway. Image: David Wardle
Emergency workers near the incident. Image: David Wardle
Heavy lifting vehicles were drafted in.
Image: David Wardle
Police on the scene. Image: David Wardle
Firefighters helping with the recovery efforts. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson
Father and son joiners Ivor and Arron Neville were working just yards from the crash and rushed to help the lorry driver.
Ivor said: “We just heard the loud bang and rushed out to see what had happened. “Directly across the road was the lorry which was on its side. I immediately grabbed a ladder and ran over with Arron to help.
“The driver was still in the cabin holding onto the steering wheel so we climbed up and managed to help him free. “Not knowing exactly what state the lorry was in we just worked as quick as we could in case the lorry burst into flames or whatever. “Thankfully the driver seemed ok and hadn’t suffered any serious injuries which is a miracle given the crash.
“You don’t think of danger at the time you just want to do what you can to help those involved.”
The two East Bridge roundabouts have been closed. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson
Another witness said she was alerted by a loud bang outside her door at around 10.30am The woman, who asked not to be named, told the Courier: “I heard a very loud bang and went to see what it was.
Witness sees cows ‘walking out of overturned lorry’
“At the roundabout I saw that a cattle transporter lorry had overturned.
“A number of passers-by ran to help. “I also saw two builders with a ladder climbing onto the vehicle trying to get the driver out. “Police and several fire engines arrived a short time later as well as a veterinarian van.
“Farmers vehicles were also arriving to help in the rescue. “It looked really bad and I feared for the animals but later I watched as several of the cows were walked out of the overturned lorry into waiting cattle trucks.”
The scene at the roundabout where the accident happened. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “We received the alert at 10.32am to a cattle lorry having overturned close to Haugh Park in Cupar.
“Two appliances from Cupar and one from Kirkcaldy stations were dispatched. “In addition, a specialist heavy lifting vehicle was dispatched from Macalpine Road in Dundee. “The driver of the vehicle is reported to be safe and well.
“It is understood that 20 cattle were on board the vehicle. “Crews and officers liaised with vets regarding the operational recovery.”
The overturned lorry contained 20 cattle. Image: fifejammerlocations.com
A Police Scotland statement[1] said: “After a lorry overturned around 10.20am this morning, the road at East Bridge in Cupar[2] is currently closed between the two roundabouts.
“There are no reported injuries.”
In an update, officers confirmed the road had reopened[3].
References
- ^ Police Scotland statement (www.facebook.com)
- ^ Cupar (www.thecourier.co.uk)
- ^ officers confirmed the road had reopened (www.facebook.com)