A truck crash Tuesday did more than ruffle feathers after almost 30 crates of live chickens broke loose on an Interstate 80 ramp in Lake Station, sending state troopers scrambling to catch loose birds.
Police said the truck driver, who reportedly crashed into a median wall, fled the coop before responding officers arrived. Dozens of chickens died as a result of their crates falling from the truck onto the roadway, police said.
Around 10:05 a.m. Tuesday, police received reports that a Volvo truck had crashed on the Interstate 80 eastbound ramp to I-90 at the 15-mile marker in Lake Station, according to a release from Sgt. Glen Fifield, public information officer with Indiana State Police’s Lowell Post.
Dispatch advised that several crates containing live chickens had been scattered across the roadway because of the crash.
When troopers arrived, they located 28 crates, each containing approximately eight chickens, scattered across the ramp lane. Several chickens were observed walking freely on the ramps, according to the release.
The truck left the scene before police arrived, according to the release.
Troopers moved the crates of live chickens to the right shoulder to clear the roadway. Additional troopers later arrived and assisted with safely catching the loose chickens.
The Indiana Toll Road also responded and transported the surviving chickens to a shaded area at their facility. Lake County Animal Control, the Humane Society and the Region I Rescue Team arrived and took possession of the chickens for proper care and handling, police said.
Evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle hauling the chickens struck the concrete median wall, causing the crates to fall from the truck.
Anyone with information regarding the owner of the truck and/or the chickens is asked to contact Trooper Garcia at the Indiana State Police Lowell Post at 219‑696‑6242.
The crash remains under investigation.
alavalley@chicagotribune.com
