Emergency services were called to the scene around 10am where they found the semi trailer on its side and a number of sheep ejected from the vehicle.

Police said the semi trailer was travelling south-east along the Gundong Road with approximately 485 sheep on board when the accident occurred. 

According to Inspector Mark Dixon the 43-year-old male driver sustained minor injuries including a broken collarbone.  

“He’s been very forthcoming in relation to what occurred leading up to the accident and obviously he’s concerned in relation to the welfare of the animals on board,” Inspector Dixon said.

“He decided to remain on scene. He’s been examined by the attending ambulance and he will attend hospital at a later stage.” 

Inspector Dixon said a lapse of concentration by the experienced driver is believed to have caused the truck to venture onto the loose gravel on the shoulder of the road, resulting in the driver to losing control. 

“We’ve been led to believe that due to a momentary loss of concentration the vehicle has gone off the roadway into the soft shoulder,” he said.

“The vehicle has lost control and overturned, resulting in the spillage of its cargo which was approximately 485 sheep.”

A number of sheep were killed on impact, while a vet and the Local Land Services (LLS) conducted a full assessment of the remaining stock to determine which required euthanising.

Inspector Dixon expected a large number of the sheep to be euthanised. 

The accident was attended to by Police, Ambulance NSW, Volunteer Rescue Association and the fire brigade, who two hours after the incident awaited the go-ahead to access the vehicle. The LLS and Department of Primary Industries were also in attendance.

The accident prompted Inspector Dixon to encourage motorists to be extra careful when behind the wheel.

“Just please drive with care,” he said.