At least one third of the sheep involved in Thursday’s truck rollover in Deniliquin were “assessed and dealt with” by Local Land Services veterinarians.
The truck carrying about 300 sheep fell on its side when turning into Charlotte St from the Deniliquin National Bridge about 10.30am.
It is unclear how many of the 100 assessed by vets had to be destroyed.
The rollover prompted a multi-agency response, with Deniliquin Police, Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW, Edward River Council and others rendering assistance and providing traffic control as required.
Deniliquin Police Acting Inspector Adam Binns was unable to provide any clarity on the cause of the rollover, saying only that it was still being investigated.
He did confirm the driver had no visible injuries.
Those sheep not requiring further attention by vets were rounded up with the assistance of firefighters, and penned at the Peppin Heritage Centre’s newly refurbished wool sheds until they could be returned to the property that they had come from.
Deniliquin FRNSW Deputy Captain Glenn Carr said firefighters also provided fire protection and Hazmat services.
“Being a multi deck animal transport vehicle, it provided a number of challenges,” he said.
“The firefighters were required to safely remove the large number of sheep whilst also providing fire protection due to the rolled prime mover carrying approximately 1000 litres of diesel.
“Qualified Hazmat specialists attached to Deniliquin FRNSW also contained and rendered safe a number of spills as a result of the roll over.
“Firefighters again returned to the scene when heavy vehicle recovery arrived to provide fire protection when the vehicle was righted.
“They also had to contain and remove final hazardous material from the roadway.
“Firefighters finally left the scene at 5pm.“
• Deniliquin FRNSW currently has a number of vacancies. If you would like to join this world class leading emergency service, contact brigade Captain Marty Smith on 0438 477 384.