In a tragic incident on Thursday, fourteen cows lost their lives after a cattle trailer overturned on a Connecticut highway. The cows were being transported from Maine to Ohio when the accident occurred on the exit 10 off-ramp on Interstate 84 in Newtown. According to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, eight cows were killed instantly in the crash, while six others had to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, however, escaped without any serious injuries. The Hartford Courant reported that firefighters who responded to the scene confirmed the driver's well-being. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by state police.

Authorities quickly summoned a state veterinarian to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for the remaining cows. Sadly, it was decided that due to their injuries and the risk of exposure to hazardous conditions resulting from the rollover, six more cows needed to be euthanized. State troopers carried out the euthanization at the scene to limit the animals' suffering.

Rebecca Eddy, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, provided an update on the surviving cows. She stated that the remaining 30 animals have undergone veterinary checks and are doing well. The owner of the cows is now making arrangements to transport them to their original destination in Ohio.

Despite the tragic outcome for these cows, there is a silver lining in that the meat from the deceased animals will not enter the human consumption market. The Department of Agriculture emphasized that it adheres to USDA regulations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of consumers.

The impact of this accident on the highway was significant, leading to the closure of the westbound side for several hours. The wreckage of the overturned truck on the driver's side was a stark reminder of the tragic event that unfolded in the early hours of the morning.

Connecticut residents and animal welfare advocates mourn the loss of these cows and are calling for increased safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. State officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash, aiming to identify any contributing factors and implement necessary precautions to protect both humans and animals on the road.