Animals 'humanely destroyed' after HGV overturns in rush hour crash in Borders

A number of animals had to be “humanely destroyed” after a HGV cattle transporter overturned in the Borders.

Police were called to reports of a black HGV transporting cattle overturned on the A697 travelling northbound towards Stirling at around 6.55am on Wednesday, February 28.

It’s believed the vehicle lost control, left the road and overturned between the Gordon junction and Lauder junction.

The driver of the lorry was left “uninjured but badly shaken” by the incident.

Specialist vets attended the scene and around 20 animals had to be “humanely destroyed”

Police say another HGV which was travelling southbound on the road passed the cattle transporter prior to it overturning.

Officers are appealing for the driver of this vehicle to get in touch.

Constable Cameron Simpson said: “We believe the driver of the lorry will have relevant information which could assist our inquiry and we are appealing to them to contact us.

“I would also ask other motorists who were on the road around this time to get in touch, especially if they have dash cam equipment.

“It’s possible their equipment has captured images which could aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0486 of February 28, 2024.