A semi-truck carrying chickens made an illegal left turn
onto McFarland Blvd. around 6 p.m. Wednesday causing an 11 car pile-up injuring
25 people.
The chaotic accident occurred when the truck turned on its
side while making a sharp turn at the corner of McFarland and 15th. While many involved
suffer bruising, only two persons sustained injuries of note. At least 30
chickens were killed with over 300 injured.
The Alabama Poultry, Inc., truck driver and a local retired
kindergarten teacher suffered substantial injuries. Jeff Johnson, 45, and Sarah
Bernell, 63, were transported to the local hospital. Bernell suffered a minor
concussion but both are presently in good condition, according to spokesperson
Clarence DiMotta.
Johnson, an Alberta City native, was transporting the
chickens to a new farm near Gadsden. The farm holds about 20,000 chickens which
supply eggs to IGA stores across the south. The accident’s dead and missing
chickens have cost Johnson’s company over $700, according to the company’s
president Carlton Fitzsimmons.
Police sergeant John Jones claims that over 40 chickens are
still missing and should be returned if found. Jones describes the accident as
a chaotic scene.
“It was the biggest pile-up I’ve ever see. Lots and lots of
smashed bumpers but the worst part was the screams of the chickens. Those
things sure do make a lot of noise, you know,” states Jones.
Any damages to the 12 vehicles involved were minor.
