Hog Transport Truck Accident on Minnesota Highway Results in Casualties and Cleanup Efforts
HAYFIELD, Minn. A serious incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, April 27, 2025, when a semi truck transporting hogs rolled over on Minnesota Highway 56. This unfortunate accident led to the euthanization of 43 hogs, as reported by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.
According to the Sheriff's statement, the semi truck was navigating Highway 56 South, just north of 680th Street, when it unexpectedly lost control and rolled over around 4:20 p.m. The vehicle, which was hauling a trailer loaded with hogs, ended up resting on its side in a ditch adjacent to the highway. The scene was chaotic, with several hogs having been ejected from the trailer and found in the surrounding ditch and a nearby field.
Emergency responders, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Hayfield Fire Department, and Hayfield Community Ambulance Service, quickly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. The truck driver, identified as 32-year-old Justin McNichols, received treatment at the site for minor injuries. Fortunately, out of the total hogs being transported, approximately 127 were unharmed and were successfully transferred to another trailer for continued transport. However, the situation was far from ideal as 43 hogs, which suffered injuries, had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
The hogs were being transported for Schwartz Farms, a well-known agricultural operation in the region. The tragic loss of these animals highlights not only the dangers of highway transport but also the responsibilities that come with livestock transportation.
Following the accident, authorities promptly shut down a section of Highway 56 at the intersection with 670th Street to ensure public safety and facilitate the cleanup operations. In addition to the tragic loss of the hogs, the accident also resulted in an estimated 8 gallons of diesel fuel spilling onto the highway, which posed an environmental hazard. The Hayfield Fire Department worked diligently to contain and clean up the spilled fuel to restore safety to the roadway.
In the aftermath of the crash, McNichols, who operates under Masching Transport, LLC, was cited for distracted driving. This charge serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and focus while operating heavy vehicles, especially when transporting live animals.
