COLUMBUS – Union County sheriff’s deputies presided at the birth of a calf at the scene of a multi-vehicle accident Tuesday night.
The calf’s mother was being transported in a trailer, which struck a building (above) during the course of an accident involving five cars and trucks just after 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and Bell Road in Jerome Township, according to Lt. Michael Justice of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the Dodge Ram that was pulling the cattle trailer was northbound on Route 42 when it crossed into the southbound lane and struck an SUV, then crashed into the building housing Buckeye Battery, 11219 U.S. Route 42, Justice said.
The pregnant dairy heifer in the trailer gave birth to the calf at the scene, with the assistance of staff from the Ohio State University Large Animal Veterinary Clinic, Justice said. Neither the cow or the calf suffered any injuries.
The building suffered extensive damage and was deemed unsafe by an inspector from the Union County Engineer’s Office, Justice said. Efforts were to continue Wednesday to stabilize the building and remove the pickup truck and trailer.
The accident also involved a Chevrolet Silverado, which was pulling a boat and trailer; a Hyundai Santa Fe and a Honda Civic.
One person was taken to Memorial Hospital and three others to Riverside Memorial Hospital, though none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, Justice said.
Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, Justice said.