FOWL END TO TRUCK ROLL
EMOTIONAL animal welfare advocates were prevented from rescuing chickens at the scene of a truck crash in North Geelong that killed hundreds of the birds.
“The scene on our first arrival was distressing to say the least to see the carnage involved in relation to the chickens that hadn’t survived.” ACTING SERGEANT BRENDAN WHITEFIELD
A TRUCK crash at a North Geelong highway overpass has killed hundreds of chickens and closed the major thoroughfare for more than 10 hours.
Police said the southbound truck, carrying more than 5000 chickens, was headed for Turi Foods’ Golden Farms slaughterhouse in Breakwater when it rolled over the side of the Melbourne Rd, near Corio Quay Rd, about 10.15am yesterday.
Witnesses said the truck failed to take a corner before striking a power pole and rolling outside the Federal Mills, leaving more than 1000 birds scattered across the nearby area.
Bystanders pulled the 49year-old Drysdale driver to safety before he was taken to Geelong hospital for observation.
Geelong police Acting Sergeant Brendan Whitefield said the safety of rescuers was paramount, with SES, CFA and Turi Foods workers spending more than five hours on the scene pulling birds from crushed carriers.
Sgt Whitefield said many chickens had been injured or killed in the rollover.
“The scene on our first arrival was distressing to say the least to see the carnage involved in relation to the chickens that hadn’t survived.
“We’ve had vets on scene and company professionals,” he said.
“The speed limit is consistent over the bridge, however, it is a road of concern with the nature of the bend in the road. It is an issue.”
Truck drivers who stopped to help labelled the overpass dangerous and said while it was advised to travel 55km the road itself was 70km/h.
“It’s a miracle no one was killed,” John Dendryer said. “All truck drivers just want to get home.”
Geelong Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Jamie Kahle said the driver’s log books, load, distraction and the road would all be investigated.
It’s understood the driver was a sub-contractor working to deliver the chickens to Golden Farms.
Turi Foods chief executive Chris Turner said the truck had been carrying between 5000 and 6000 chickens, with 4500 live birds returned to the company.
“These things are unfortunate,” he said.
“Accidents happen and until the police can obviously talk to the driver, I assume, and establish what the issue is, we have no idea what happened other than the truck flipped.”
It’s not the first time a vehicle has crashed at the overpass. In 2009, Rachael Baker, 25, died when the car in which she was a back-seat passenger rolled on the Separation St overpass.
GAWS head vet David Pullen said vets worked to euthanise the injured chickens. “If they were healthy they were handed back to the owner,” he said.
Dozens of animal welfare advocates lined the police tape, but were refused access.
As emotions escalated some attempted to rescue a number of birds but were chased down by police.
Animal Justice Party Geelong-region leader Andy Meddick slammed the authorities for refusing to allow qualified animal rescuers to assist.
“They’re more concerned about saving dollars than saving the animals,” he said.
“We had qualified people here offering to render assistance but were refused access by Turi Foods management on scene.
“I’ve been to a lot of these types of incidents but this is the worst I’ve ever seen. We witnessed multiple birds die in the removal process when a forklift driver dropped the crates containing those chickens who survived the initial crash.”
But Mr Turner said a process needed to be followed at the scene.
“When you’ve got veterinarians on site, they take the responsibility for these sorts of issues,” he said.
Witnesses to the accident were urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.