Early on January 27, Circus animals were rescued from a fiery semi-truck incident on Interstate 69 near Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The incident: Indiana State Police and local officers responded after the vehicle, transporting Shrine Circus animals, caught fire due to an equipment failure.
Quick response: Officers successfully saved ten animals, including five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse, from the smoldering trailer.
- The truck driver escaped unharmed, and no other injuries were reported among the bystanders.
- Two officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation but have since been released.
Traffic impact: A stretch of I-69 was closed down to manage the situation but was fully reopened roughly four hours later, around 6:30 a.m.
Next steps: The rescued animals were secured until additional trucks from the Shrine Circus could transport them to safety.
The safety and swift action of the officers ensured the well-being of all involved, including the endangered circus animals.