SHERWOOD TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – The black ice which caused Tuesday morning’s slick driving conditions is being blamed for the crash of a cattle trailer which killed four cows in northwestern Branch County.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department says the rollover accident happened at about 5:50am on M-60 near Stanton Road in Sherwod Township.
They report 67-year-old Elmer Detweiler of Colon lost control of a one ton truck which was pulling a cattle trailer on an ice covered curve.
The vehicle slid off the road and struck a tree which caused the trailer and truck to roll over.
The 11 pregnant cows being hauled were then trapped on each other. Four of the animals were crushed to death.
The Sherwood and Athens Fire Departments had to use the Jaws of Life in an attempt to cutting open the trailer and free the animals who survived.
The Sheriff’s Department says both of the occupants managed to get out. Deputies report they wore their seat belts which saved them from serious injuries.
Branch County Sheriff Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Sherwood and Athens Fire Departments.
