Seven dogs and cats remain missing after the truck transporting them crashed on Old Fort Mountain on Wednesday. Multiple dogs and cats fled the accident scene; running into the wooded area near the crash site. A van for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals crashed into a median on a North Carolina Interstate 40.
The vehicle, driven by Ronald Jeffrey Swanson, 54, of Hendersonville, crashed near Old Fort, WLOS reported.
Swanson had to be airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries; an associate in the van had minor injuries and was not hospitalized. A spokesperson with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol stated the van’s left tire failed causing the driver to lose control and hit the median wall.
According to the McDowell County 911 Emergency Management, a Facebook page was created to help people identify the missing pets and aid in their safe return. Emergency personnel from the McDowell County Animal Shelter as well as Good Samaritans provided veterinary care, food, water and comfort to the pets until staff from the ASPCA arrived.
Anyone traveling along I-40 in Old Fort, as well as hikers in the area, are being asked to report unattended dogs or cats to the McDowell Communications Center at 828-652-4000. You can see some pictures of the missing animals here and here.
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This type of accident happened to me on the way home from the veterinary center where my dog had been neutered. We were hit by a speeding idiot. My entire front end was destroyed (my dog was thrown about the car, in spite of being in a secured travel kennel)….. I had a severe concussion as a result of this accident. Fortunately our little treasure chose to stay and protect me………
I hope and pray they find all the missing dogs alive and return them to their families.