Officials reported 17 of 93 feeder calves died in a semi crash Thursday morning near Rantoul. A semi-trailer tractor carrying the calves to Iowa overturned on an Interstate 57 exit ramp.

The 17 animals either died or had to euthanized. A livestock procurement manger said most died on impact.

State Police said the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The truck driver and his pet dog were able to crawl out of the cab. The driver was cited for failure to reduce speed.
Firefighters from Rantoul and Thomasboro responded to the scene. Water was sprayed on the trapped calves to keep them cool in the hot June weather.

A University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine staff member was on the scene and euthanized the animals that suffered significant injuries.

94.1 WGFA