Australia: 150 injured sheep killed after livestock truck crashes in Canberra

A livestock truck carrying some 500 sheep crashed and capsized in the Australian capital of Canberra, forcing local authorities to destroy more than 100 of the animals.

The driver, a 44-year-old man, lost control of the vehicle at a roundabout in the southern suburb of Conder.

He suffered minor injuries after the truck rolled on its left side upon entering the junction, and was subsequently taken to Canberra Hospital by ambulance for treatment.

The incident caused scores of sheep to remain trapped in the wreaked cargo. Vets were called at the scene to help fire-fighters trying to rescue the animals.

However, they found themselves forced to kill 150 sheep that were wounded in the crash. The mass euthanasia was carried out behind temporary screens set up at the roundabout, local media reported.

The Canberra Times said the injured animals had been put to death " for their own welfare", adding the area was not new to "sheep fatalities" as more than 100 died in a similar incident last year.