DUPONT, Wash. — An overturned semi-truck hauling live chickens shut down multiple lanes of Interstate 5 early Friday morning, scattering hundreds of birds across the roadway and creating major traffic delays, according to the Washington State Patrol.

^{Photo credit: Washington State Patrol}

The crash happened around 1 a.m. near Mounts Road in the DuPont area, according to KOMO News. Troopers said the semi overturned on northbound I-5, spilling crates and releasing chickens onto the freeway. A WSP trooper posted photos showing dozens of dead birds and responders corralling survivors, with one image showing a trooper gently patting a chicken that lived through the crash.

^{Photo credit: Washington State Patrol}

WSP reported around 4:30 a.m. that “hundreds of chickens” were loose on the interstate. Three lanes were closed while crews worked to clear debris and recover the animals, leaving only the far-left lane open. Northbound traffic backed up for five miles.

All lanes reopened by 6 a.m., but backups worsened as drivers slowed to view the aftermath, with delays stretching to Martin Way in Lacey, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

It remains unclear how many chickens were injured or killed, or where the shipment was headed. Troopers said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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