A chaotic scene unfolded on Highway 11 near Barrie early Tuesday morning after a cattle transport truck veered off the roadway and overturned, triggering a massive emergency response and lengthy highway closure.
Morning Commute Chaos
The dramatic incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Innisfil Beach Road, bringing morning traffic to a complete standstill during peak commute hours. Emergency crews arrived to find the massive truck on its side, with dozens of cattle trapped inside the damaged trailer.
Large-Scale Animal Rescue Operation
Rescue efforts quickly turned into a complex large-animal operation as first responders worked to safely extract the livestock from the compromised trailer. Ontario Provincial Police confirmed multiple cattle fatalities in the crash, while surviving animals were carefully removed and transported to safety.
"This was an incredibly challenging situation for our crews," said one first responder at the scene. "Not only did we have a major vehicle accident to manage, but we had to ensure the safety and humane treatment of numerous large animals in distress."
Extended Highway Closure
The crash resulted in a complete closure of Highway 11 southbound between Innisfil Beach Road and the Highway 89 interchange for several hours. The significant closure forced commuters to seek alternative routes, causing substantial delays throughout the region.
Cleanup crews faced the additional challenge of dealing with livestock debris and vehicle wreckage, further extending the road closure into the late morning hours.
Ongoing Investigation
OPP traffic investigators remain at the scene working to determine the cause of the single-vehicle crash. While early morning weather conditions may have been a factor, police have not confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the truck leaving the roadway.
The driver of the transport truck was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the surviving cattle is being monitored by veterinary professionals.
