The accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday morning in the interchange between the E42 and the E40 in the direction of Aachen. For a reason that remains to be determined, a van carrying cattle ended up on the slip road in the direction of Namur towards Aachen.
Several animals were able to be removed directly by the truckers and the first fire crew to arrive on site. The animals were picked up by another truck but they remained trapped in the trailer.
As a result, an extrication was necessary to get them out, the trailer was even cut open.
This operation was carried out in collaboration with the ART team (animal rescue team Hesbaye), the Vusc (veterinarian) and the Munster breakdown services to support the trailer during the operation.
Unfortunately and to prioritize animal welfare, only one of the 7 cattle released after extrication was able to be saved, the others were in pain and were euthanized by the veterinarian.
The intervention lasted a little over 4 hours.
Around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the troubleshooting was completed and the situation was back to normal.
The closure of the interchange caused significant traffic jams in this road junction in the Liège region.
