Rescue operation takes place on A489 after livestock lorry overturns
A significant emergency response took place on Tuesday afternoon following an overturned heavy goods vehicle transporting hundreds of sheep near the Shropshire border.
Emergency services were called to the A489 at Snead at 2.44 pm after reports emerged that a large lorry had tipped onto its side. The impact of the crash left the driver trapped within the cab and created a complex recovery situation involving approximately 450 sheep.
Six fire appliances were mobilised to the scene, drawing crews from Bishops Castle, Clun, and Wellington. Specialist units, including a Rescue Tender and operations officers, utilised heavy-duty cutters, spreaders, and small gear to extricate the trapped driver.
Once freed, the driver was handed over to the care of the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a crew from West Midlands Air Ambulance. Following an initial assessment at the roadside, the driver was transported to hospital for what have been described as precautionary checks.
The incident required an extensive multi-agency effort that lasted well into the afternoon. Officers from the Bishops Castle Safer Neighbourhood Team worked alongside West Mercia Police to manage the road closure while a specialist team from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the logistical challenge of the overturned trailer.
Local farmers and veterinary professionals were quickly brought in to assist with the livestock. While a dedicated rescue effort ensured that many of the 450 sheep were successfully recovered and moved to safety, officials confirmed that a significant number of the animals sadly died in the accident.
A spokesperson for the emergency services praised the collaborative effort of those on-site, noting that the professionalism and teamwork displayed by firefighters, farmers, and medical staff were instrumental in managing the scene. The A489 remained affected for several hours while recovery of the vehicle and the remaining livestock took place.
