Tasmania police closed a section of the Bridport Highway on Monday evening after a crash involving a truck carrying 37 head of cattle occurred at approximately 6:00 pm.

The driver of the truck was transported to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threating injuries.  The fact that he was wearing a seat belt has prevented more serious injuries being sustained, as the truck was extensively damaged.

The accident occurred approximately 4km east of the East Tamar Highway and no other vehicles were involved.  Tasmania police understand the scene may have been distressing to motorists who drove past the crash site prior to the road being closed.  The owner of the livestock and representatives from the transport company were on the scene quickly, and minimising the suffering of the cattle was a priority whilst managing the scene.

A number of cattle were killed instantly in the crash and several more were humanely euthanized at the scene.  The remaining cattle were taken to a nearby property to await inspection by a veterinarian.

The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, preliminary investigations have ruled out, speed, drugs or alcohol as contributing factors.

Anybody who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the George Town Police Station on 67023900.