Waterford City Fire Service recently responded to a trailer carrying grain that overturned just off a busy roundabout.
The incident occurred on the Six-Cross Roads Roundabout on the outer ring roads near Kilbarry in Waterford.
The tractor remained with its four wheels on the ground, while the trailer was not so lucky, as the load of grain it was carrying spilled out, mainly on to a footpath just off the roundabout.
The fire service stated that “no one was seriously injured”, but it was quick to issue a reminder for drivers, especially those towing machinery and trailers.
It warned to:
- Secure your load: Always ensure your trailer is properly loaded and secured. Overloaded or uneven loads can cause instability;
- Check your equipment: Inspect your trailer’s tires, lights, and hitch connections before every trip. Faulty equipment can lead to dangerous situations;
- Drive safely: Reduce your speed, especially around corners and during bad weather. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers;
- Stay alert: Keep an eye on your trailer in your mirrors and listen for any unusual noises that might indicate a problem.
Earlier this year, during what was described as a “complex incident”, Cork City Fire Brigade rescued a bull from a trailer that overturned on a roundabout outside the city.
The incident occurred on July 7 when a livestock trailer being towed by a jeep jack-knifed on a roundabout in Little Island outside Cork city.
A crew from the Anglesea Street Fire Station attended to the scene of the incident which occurred at 5:20p.m at junction 2 on the N25 westbound.
Second officer at Cork City Fire Brigade Victor Shine told Agriland that the bull, which weighed 600kg, was in a “sedate” state when it was rescued, before the bull walked from the overturned trailer to the trailer that arrived shortly after to collect it.
Shine clarified there was no obvious injuries to the bull and that it showed no signs of distress.
The gates of the trailer had to be opened using hydraulic cutters, and Cork City Fire Brigade reported that it was “a complex incident due to the presence of a live animal”.
However, the crew was able to ensure the safety of the bull with the use of a rescue tender.
The farmer was not the driver of the vehicle, as Shine explained they were then contacted and who arrived within 20 minutes of the incident with another trailer to collect the bull.
The scene was then made safe, and the road was reopened soon after.
Gardaí have confirmed to Agriland that “no injuries were reported” but that “enquiries are ongoing”.