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Thousands of chickens killed in M62 lorry crash Hundreds of chickens killed in M62 lorry crash
(about 2 hours later)
More than 1,000 chickens were killed after the lorry carrying them crashed into a safety barrier on the M62 in Greater Manchester. More than 1,000 chickens were killed when the lorry transporting them crashed into a safety barrier on the M62 in Greater Manchester.
The lorry was carrying 6,800 chickens when it crashed on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 11 and 12 at about 04:00 BST.The lorry was carrying 6,800 chickens when it crashed on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 11 and 12 at about 04:00 BST.
About 1,500 birds were killed and a number escaped, North West Motorway Police said. About 1,500 birds were killed, North West Motorway police said.
The Highways Agency said one lane was still closed around the accident site. The majority of the chickens died from the impact of the crash but some were hit by cars, police added.
The majority of the chickens died from the impact of the crash due to the way the lorry landed.
Chickens 'rounded up'Chickens 'rounded up'
Some did escape and were hit by cars, police added. Michael Clarke, from the Highways Agency, said about 2,000 chickens "escaped on to the carriageway" and had to be recaptured.
Michael Clarke, from the agency, said about 2,000 chickens "escaped on to the carriageway" and had to be rounded up. "We drafted in as much manpower as we could from across the north west, and we had help from the police, the emergency services and the RSPCA," he said.
"We drafted in a much manpower as we could from across the north west, and we had help from the police, the emergency services and the RSPCA," he said.
He said the incident was "unusual" in terms of the sheer number of birds involved.He said the incident was "unusual" in terms of the sheer number of birds involved.
"The more adventurous ones did manage to go quite far - I would suspect there are a handful still in adjacent fields," he added."The more adventurous ones did manage to go quite far - I would suspect there are a handful still in adjacent fields," he added.
The Highways Agency is assessing damage caused to safety barriers. The agency is assessing damage caused to safety barriers.
Diversions were put in place around the exit for Birchwood and the Eccles Interchange with the M60.Diversions were put in place around the exit for Birchwood and the Eccles Interchange with the M60.