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Overturned Pig Truck Closes Westbound I‑80 in Placer County

Crews cut open the overloaded trailer to free pigs, a tactic that allowed recovery teams to clear the wreck and reopen the road.

Overview

  • A semi‑tractor trailer hauling pigs overturned on westbound I‑80 near Colfax, immediately blocking the westbound lanes and forcing traffic to be diverted onto Secret Town Road and Highway 174.
  • Animal‑control teams and Placer County Animal Services corralled and transported multiple pigs from the scene while crews worked to remove the animals from the damaged trailer.
  • Recovery crews abandoned plans to simply right the trailer after finding it too heavy and damaged with livestock inside, so they cut into the trailer and used makeshift ramps and corridors to offload animals.
  • An All American Towing representative estimated the trailer held about 45,000 pounds of pigs, the truck driver was treated for minor injuries, and officials said some pigs did not survive the crash.
  • Caltrans reported westbound I‑80 near Magra reopened after cleanup, and the incident highlights how animal weight and movement can complicate long‑haul livestock recoveries and prolong highway closures.