Cows die in Otago stock truck crash

Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Locals had to step in and put cattle injured in a truck crash today in south Otago out of their misery, a vet says.

The stock truck lost control when taking a right-hand bend and blocked a section of the Clutha River Road, between Rongahere and Clydevale, at about 10.45am.

More than 25 dairy cows travelling in the truck's trailer have been destroyed.

"It was a horrendous and awful situation and by the time I got there, local people were able to destroy some of the worst affected animals," vet Jason Darwen told NZPA.

Some of the cattle were shot straight away though Mr Darwen was not sure who had done it.

"It was absolutely commendable to do that with animals suffering as they were."

Police were not able to clear the scene until just before 5pm.

Mr Darwen was there to deal with the 40 cows in the truck's trailer, 27 of which were either killed in the crash or had to be put down, Lawrence Senior Constable Robert Wallace said.

Some of the remaining cattle have been transported back to the farm while some are still being treated by local vets.

The driver has minor injuries but was alright, Mr Wallace said.

- NZPA