The driver of a tractor trailer carrying cattle that crashed on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County on Sunday morning has been charged with reckless driving.
Shawn E. Alford, 59, of Grottoes, crashed on I-81 at the 293 mile marker in Shenandoah County. The tractor trailer was traveling north when it ran off the left side of the road, collided with a guardrail and overturned.
One hundred and five cattle were being transported in the trailer at the time of the crash that occurred at 4:17 a.m., according to Virginia State Police.
A veterinarian responded to the scene to assess the livestock; 42 did not survive the crash, including 10 that had to be euthanized. Three cattle died in separate crashes along I-81.
The interstate was shut down and detours were in place for several hours as a result of the crash and loose cattle. The southbound portion reopened at 12:56 p.m. The northbound portion reopened at 3:18 p.m.
Citizens, the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Department of Transportation assisted with containing the cattle that were loose after the crash.
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Crystal Graham
