Overturned truck on NJ interstate scatters sheep, goats, cattle; about 80 animals die

Overturned truck in NJ scatters livestock

KNOWLTON, N.J. — State police say about 80 animals died after a truck carrying sheep, goats and calves overturned on Interstate 80 in New Jersey.

The animals were among roughly 200 on their way to a slaughterhouse when they were tossed out of the tractor-trailer early Thursday near the New Jersey-Pennsylvania line.

Truck driver Marvin Raber told authorities he was driving from Ohio to New York when he tried to change lanes and his truck hit a guardrail.

It took about four hours before eastbound lanes reopened through Knowlton. Authorities had to round up the roaming animals and clear away carcasses.

The surviving animals are being cared for at a local livestock auction market.