Eight cattle head killed as milk tanker truck ploughs through herd near Kariyapatti

In a case of alleged drunk driving, a milk tanker truck ploughed through a herd of cattle in which seven cows and a bull were killed and 20 other animals were injured near Kariyapatti on late Friday night.

A. Mukkulam police have arrested the driver, Surender, 32, of Vadipatti in Madurai district.

The police said a group of cattle herders, led by Rajagopal of Salai Iluppaikulam were herding some 600 animals.

The animals that had been taken out for grazing in Aruppukottai were being brought back home on Kariyapatti-Narikudi Road.

Even as the animals were being herded on the road near Mudukkankulam, the milk container truck that was speeding towards Madurai ploughed through the herd.

Besides claiming lives of eight animals, the accident also rendered some 20 animals injured, including causing fractures.

The herders, who were shocked, rounded up Surender and handed him over to the A. Mukkulam police.

The police found the accused to be drunk. Further investigation is under way.

Meanwhile, veterinary doctors were treating the injured animals.