Truck accident kills dozens of hogs on way to packing plant

 By BY LINDA MCNATT, The Virginian-Pilot

© September 3, 2004 | Last updated 10:26 PM Sep. 2

SUFFOLK — A hog truck bound for Smithfield Foods Inc. turned over early Thursday when the wheels on the left side of the truck went off the roadway and sank in mud, police said.

The truck was northbound on Whaleyville Boulevard near Great Fork Road at about 6:30 a.m. when the accident happened, said Suffolk Police Sgt. M.W. Mc­Kenzie.

 The driver of the 1991 Freightliner tractor told police he was keeping his eye on a another vehicle coming toward him when the truck eased onto the side of the road and the load of about 200 hogs shifted.

The driver, Clifford Gates , 41 , of Seven Springs , N.C., was treated at the scene for a cut on his head, Mc­Kenzie said. An estimated 70 hogs died in the accident.

Gates was charged with failing to maintain control of his vehicle.

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