On Saturday, authorities, including Indiana state troopers and Grant County sheriff’s officials, successfully rescued circus animals, including zebras and camels, from a burning tractor-trailer on a highway in Indiana. The incident occurred on northbound Interstate 69 near Marion, causing a blockage in traffic.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Department reported that the vehicle transporting the animals caught fire at 2 a.m., prompting Indiana State Trooper Edward Titus and Grant County Deputy Joshua Kennedy to enter the trailer and carry out the rescue operation. Together with a Shrine Circus worker from Fort Wayne, Indiana, they managed to save five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse from the trailer.
Law Enforcement Rescues Circus Animals from Flaming Trailer on Indiana Interstate (Credits: The Public’s Radio)
“Additional officers on the scene were able to secure all the animals until other trucks from the Shrine Circus arrived,” stated the sheriff’s department.
Fortunately, no animals were harmed or missing during the incident. However, Titus and Kennedy received treatment for smoke inhalation. The preliminary investigation by State Police indicated that equipment failure caused the fire.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude on Facebook, announcing, “Grateful to report that all animals involved have been rescued safely. No harm to our furry friends.” The northbound lanes of the interstate remained closed until 6:30 a.m. due to the truck fire.
