A prominent animal rights group is calling for charges to be filed in connection with a fire that reportedly killed or injured thousands of caged chickens near a Nebraska slaughterhouse last month.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked the Dodge County Attorney’s Office to issue state charges to responsible parties following a deadly fire at the Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) facility in Fremont, Nebraska, on June 17, according to a news release issued on July 21 based on information from recently received U.S. Department of Agriculture documents.

According to PETA, “the truck caught fire after the rear wheels “exploded” in “huge flames.” LPP management blamed the fire on overheated brakes, and an LPP whistleblower told PETA that they suspected the truck driver had left the emergency brake on.”

Around 6000 chickens were being transported in the truck when the fire occurred, PETA stated.

PETA said that 1000 of the chickens burned to death and that 1500 others were hurt in the 50 minute fire. The group said that many of the survivors had their necks broken by processing plant workers, and that others were gassed to death.

Lincoln Premium Poultry supplies chickens to Costco.