A cattle truck packed with cows has crashed into a Melbourne bridge with some animals suffering "excruciating injuries" and others dying, an animal rights group said.
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The crash caused extensive transport delays as emergency services ensured all animals had been rounded up after the top of the cattle truck slammed into a rail bridge on Alexandra Avenue in South Yarra at 8.25pm on July 23.
Agriculture Victoria said approximately 22 out of 75 cows died in the crash or were euthanised at the scene.
Prahran Highway Patrol police said "the driver of the truck was not injured and is assisting police with their enquiries".
"Agriculture Victoria were in attendance to assist with the wellbeing of the cattle," police said.
Animal rights campaigners the Farm Transparency Project posted a video of the crash to social media showing graphic injuries suffered by some of the cows.
The campaigners said "the top sections were completely crushed, with many cows suffering excruciating injuries".
"Others jumped from the truck and tried to escape but others were euthanised due to the extent of their injuries," the Farm Transparency Project said.
Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
