SMYTH COUNTY, Va. - A tractor-trailer carrying dozens of livestock overturned along Whitetop Road early Monday afternoon, closing all southbound lanes of Route 762 near Flatwood Acres Road as first responders and local community members worked to secure the scene.
According to the Virginia State Police (VSP), the incident occurred at approximately 1:40 p.m. when the northbound semi-truck traveled off the right side of Whitetop Road. The vehicle struck a guardrail and rolled over onto its side.
State police confirmed that 85 head of cattle were loaded inside the trailer at the time of the crash. The impact killed several animals instantly and left others trapped within the mangled trailer wreckage. Multiple cattle escaped the container and began wandering near the roadway.
Nearby farmers and agricultural workers rushed to the scene to assist emergency personnel with rounding up the escaped livestock and containing the surviving animals.
VSP troopers cited the truck driver for failing to maintain his lane. The driver's identity and medical condition have not yet been released.
State police officials confirmed that Route 762 southbound would remain closed while heavy wrecker crews removed the overturned rig and local responders safely cleared the remaining livestock. The crash remains under active investigation by the Virginia State Police.
