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Apr. 28—HAYFIELD, Minn. — A serious accident occurred on Minnesota Highway 56 involving a semi truck transporting hogs, as confirmed by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. A total of 43 hogs had to be euthanized following the incident.
The accident took place on Sunday, April 27, at approximately 4:20 p.m. The semi truck rolled over while traveling southbound on Highway 56, near 680th Street, situated between Hayfield and Dodge Center. The vehicle was found on its side in a ditch, with several hogs having been thrown from the trailer and scattered in a nearby field.
The truck driver, identified as 32-year-old Justin McNichols, received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, around 127 hogs were successfully transferred to another trailer without injury, while the 43 hogs that sustained injuries had to be humanely euthanized. These hogs were being transported for Schwartz Farms.
As a result of the accident, authorities shut down a section of the highway at the intersection of Highway 56 and 670th Street to manage the situation.
Emergency responders included the Minnesota State Patrol, Hayfield Fire Department, and Hayfield Community Ambulance Service. In addition to the accident, approximately 8 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the highway but was quickly contained and cleaned up by the fire department.
McNichols, who is associated with Masching Transport, LLC, was cited for distracted driving related to the incident, according to officials.
Source
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