Truck carrying more than 3,000 chickens crashes in Burke Co.

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Crews were left to clean up a big mess early Thursday morning after a truck carrying more than 3,000 chickens crashed in Burke County.

Officials said the driver of the 18-wheeler from Case Farms lost control on Old Laurel Road, between George Hildebran School Road and Miller Bridge Road, just after 6 a.m. and the cages being hauled all fell off the truck.

https://twitter.com/FahertyWSOC9/status/654612266562813952

Crews on scene told Channel 9 the truck was carrying roughly 3,200 chickens -- weighing about 30,000 pounds -- and was heading to Morganton.

The driver was not hurt but the crash left hundreds of dead birds scattered across the road. He was taken to the hospital to be checked out.

The driver of the truck was charged with failure to maintain lane control, troopers said.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area while clean up takes place and troopers said it could take hours to reopen the road.

Follow reporter Dave Faherty on Twitter and check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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