Pig-filled big rig crashed and tipped over on I-80 in Placer County, crews work to corral

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Crews spent hours working to clear a big rig carrying 45,000 pounds of pigs that crashed and overturned, blocking both westbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Colfax overnight Tuesday.

The crash created unique challenges for responders because the trailer could not simply be pulled upright and hauled away due to the animals inside.

"We got about approximately 45,000 pounds of pigs," said Katherine Sasser of All American Towing.

Sasser said crews initially attempted multiple methods to recover the trailer.

"We tried a couple different methods and the trailer was just crumbling," she said.

The California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, Placer County Animal Services, Cal Fire and All-American Towing had to get creative and worked together to offload the animals and clear the scene.

"This is not something you see every day," said Blayne Kilkenny, CHP Gold Run commander.

Responders tested several approaches to move the pigs into an awaiting livestock trailer.

Ultimately, crews created a makeshift corridor along the side of the overturned trailer and corralled the animals into a safer area for loading.

When asked whether the situation was out of the ordinary, Sasser said it was unlike any call her company had handled before.

"This is actually the first time we've encountered livestock. Usually its cargo, vegetables that type of stuff," Sasser said.

Some of the pigs did not survive the crash, officials said.

However, responders continued efforts to save as many animals as possible while reopening the highway.

"I think the human side comes out in us all everybody's doing what they can to make the bad situation a little bit better," Kilkenny said.

The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to the CHP.

As crews worked to recover the remaining animals, their goal remained the same: help the pigs and clear the roadway.