Exmouth firefighters help rescue cow trapped in trailer after crash

Exmouth firefighters helped rescue a bullock (a castrated male cow) at around 12.56pm today, Monday 6 December, after a 4x4 towing a trailer left the road and ended up six feet down an embankment near Sourton.

The driver was able to get out and call the emergency services, but the bullock was trapped in the trailer.

Fire crews from Okehampton, Hatherleigh, and a special rescue team from Exmouth were mobilised, along with a heavy rescue vehicle from Middlemoor.

A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Okehampton and Hatherleigh, together with one of our Special Rescue Teams from Exmouth, were mobilised following a call from the driver of a 4x4, towing a trailer, that had left the carriageway and come to rest, on its side, 6ft down an embankment.

"The driver was able to exit the vehicle safely prior to our arrival but the bullock inside the trailer was trapped.

"Crews made good and steady progress cutting away trees and undergrowth, stabilising the vehicle and formulating a plan for extrication.

"Crews needed further winching capabilities to help right the trailer and so a Heavy Rescue Vehicle from Middlemoor (Exeter) was mobilised to assist with this.

"In the meantime the owner had sourced a second horsebox, which meant once the bullock was released, injured, it was led to safety awaiting a recovery vehicle.

"This incident is now complete and was brought under control at 14:50hrs. Once the vehicle and scene was made safe duty of care was left with the police carrying out road safety duties.

"These are the full and final details."

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